hermite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, literary, academic (mathematics)
Quick answer
What does “hermite” mean?
A person who lives in seclusion from society, often for religious reasons.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who lives in seclusion from society, often for religious reasons; a recluse.
In mathematics, a Hermite polynomial or function (named after Charles Hermite). In zoology, a hermit crab. Figuratively, anyone who leads a solitary, withdrawn life.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The spelling 'hermit' is universal; 'hermite' is an archaic or poetic variant rarely used in modern English.
Connotations
Equally strong connotations of religious solitude or eccentric reclusiveness in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern usage. 'Hermit' is the standard form. 'Hermite' may appear in historical or poetic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “hermite” in a Sentence
live as a hermitebecome a hermitewithdraw like a hermiteVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hermite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The mathematician studied Hermite functions.
- He led a hermite existence in the Highlands.
American English
- The physics problem required a Hermite polynomial solution.
- She found his hermite lifestyle puzzling.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical/religious studies and mathematics (Hermite polynomials/functions).
Everyday
Rare. 'Hermit' is used instead.
Technical
Mathematics: Hermite interpolation, Hermitian matrix, Cubic Hermite spline.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hermite”
- Spelling: Using 'hermite' in modern contexts instead of 'hermit'.
- Pronunciation: Mispronouncing the final 'e' (it is silent).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'hermite' is an archaic or less common spelling of 'hermit'. In modern English, 'hermit' is standard.
It is a classical orthogonal polynomial sequence named after the French mathematician Charles Hermite, used in probability, physics, and numerical analysis.
Yes, 'hermite crab' is an older variant for 'hermit crab', an animal that uses empty shells for protection.
Historically, yes, it implied religious solitude. Modern usage can apply to any person living in seclusion, regardless of motive.
A person who lives in seclusion from society, often for religious reasons.
Hermite is usually formal, literary, academic (mathematics) in register.
Hermite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɜːmaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɝːmaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Live the life of a hermite”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HERMITE sounds like 'hermit' + 'knight' – imagine a solitary knight who has withdrawn from the world.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOLITUDE IS WITHDRAWAL / WISDOM IS FOUND IN SOLITUDE
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Hermite' used as a proper adjective?