litterae humaniores

plural noun

lit·​te·​rae hu·​ma·​ni·​o·​res ˈli-tə-ˌrī-hü-ˌmä-nē-ˈȯr-ˌās How to pronounce litterae humaniores (audio)

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, literally, more humane letters

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of litterae humaniores was in 1747

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Cite this Entry

“Litterae humaniores.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/litterae%20humaniores. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

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