letters: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Neutral. Common across formal and informal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “letters” mean?
The plural of 'letter' referring to written or printed messages, or individual characters of an alphabet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural of 'letter' referring to written or printed messages, or individual characters of an alphabet.
Often used collectively to refer to correspondence (the act or content of writing). Can also refer to literature or scholarly knowledge broadly (e.g., 'a man of letters').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. In the context of education, 'letters' in 'Arts and Letters' (US) vs. 'Arts' or 'Humanities' (UK) is more commonly seen in US institutional names. The verb 'to letter' (as in to inscribe with letters) is slightly more common in American English, especially in crafting/sports contexts.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “letters” in a Sentence
write [somebody] a lettersend a letter to [somebody]receive a letter from [somebody]a letter about/regarding/concerning [something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “letters” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She expertly lettered the ceremonial scroll by hand.
- The sign-writer will letter the new shop front.
American English
- He lettered in three varsity sports.
- She lettered the poster with a bold font.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
- N/A
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The letter box was full.
- We need letter-headed paper for the official reply.
American English
- The letter jacket showed his school pride.
- Please use letter-size paper for the application.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Formal business letters, letters of agreement, letters of credit, letters of resignation.
Academic
Referencing alphabetic systems, 'cover letters' for journal submissions, 'letters' as a shorter form of academic publication.
Everyday
Personal letters, emails (sometimes called 'e-letters'), birthday cards with letters inside, learning the alphabet.
Technical
In computing: character strings, letter recognition software, 'letter-spacing' in typography/design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “letters”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “letters”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “letters”
- Using 'letters' as an uncountable noun for mail (incorrect: 'I received a letters'; correct: 'I received some letters' or 'I received some mail'). Confusing 'diary' with 'letters' (letters are for sending).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'letters' is a countable plural noun. For uncountable correspondence, use 'mail' or 'post'.
'Letters' refers to the individual characters (A, B, C...). 'Alphabet' refers to the complete, ordered set of letters for a language.
No, it's an idiomatic phrase meaning a person engaged in literary or scholarly pursuits, like a writer or scholar.
Yes, in some contexts, e.g., 'Bachelor of Letters' (B.Litt. or B.Lit.) is an academic postgraduate degree.
The plural of 'letter' referring to written or printed messages, or individual characters of an alphabet.
Letters is usually neutral. common across formal and informal contexts. in register.
Letters: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɛtəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɛtɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a man/woman of letters”
- “to the letter (following instructions precisely)”
- “red-letter day”
- “open letter”
- “dead letter”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two 'T's inside an envelope, representing the double 'T' in 'letters' and its connection to mail.
Conceptual Metaphor
LETTERS ARE CONTAINERS (for thoughts/information). LETTERS ARE PHYSICAL OBJECTS (that can be sent/received). KNOWLEDGE IS LETTERS (in 'man of letters').
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'a red-letter day', what does 'letters' imply?