litterae humaniores: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareFormal, Academic (Highly Specialised)
Quick answer
What does “litterae humaniores” mean?
The classical humanities, particularly Latin and Greek literature, philosophy, and history, especially as studied at Oxford University.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The classical humanities, particularly Latin and Greek literature, philosophy, and history, especially as studied at Oxford University.
A university course or degree (especially at Oxford) focusing on classical studies; broadly, the study of human culture, arts, and thought through classical texts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusively used in the British university system, particularly at Oxford. It has no equivalent common usage in American English or American academia.
Connotations
In UK (Oxford), it connotes prestige, tradition, and a rigorous classical education. It has no connotations in US English.
Frequency
Frequency is essentially zero outside of Oxford University and related academic discussions in the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “litterae humaniores” in a Sentence
[Person] reads/studied litterae humaniores at Oxford.[Person] took a First in litterae humaniores.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “litterae humaniores” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He is litterae-humanioring at Balliol. (Very rare, jocular)
- She decided to litterae humaniores.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- She is a litterae humaniores student.
- The litterae humaniores paper was challenging.
American English
- Not applicable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used almost exclusively in the context of Oxford University degrees and academic history. E.g., 'Her research focuses on the history of the litterae humaniores curriculum.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A technical term within UK higher education, specifically Oxford.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “litterae humaniores”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “litterae humaniores”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “litterae humaniores”
- Using it as a general term for the humanities.
- Attempting to decline or translate the Latin phrase into English.
- Assuming it is a common term outside of Oxford.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It means 'more humane letters' or 'more human literature', distinguishing the study of human culture from divine (theology) or natural (sciences) studies.
In the Oxford context, it is essentially the Classics degree, but the term is specific to that institution and its historical curriculum structure. Elsewhere, 'Classics' is the standard term.
No, it would be highly unusual and potentially confusing. It is an institutional, academic term.
In a British academic context, it is typically pronounced with a reconstructed Latin pronunciation: /ˌlɪtəriː hjuːˌmæniˈɔːriːz/. The 'ae' is pronounced as 'eye' (like in 'eye'), and the stress falls on the '-o-' in 'humaniores'.
The classical humanities, particularly Latin and Greek literature, philosophy, and history, especially as studied at Oxford University.
Litterae humaniores is usually formal, academic (highly specialised) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To read Greats (colloquial for reading Lit Hum)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Litterae' (letters/literature) that are 'Humaniores' (more human/humane) – the study of what makes us human through classical texts.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CLASSICS ARE A FOUNDATION (for civilisation, thought, education).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'litterae humaniores' primarily used?