Langimage
English

letter

|let-ter|

A2

🇺🇸

/ˈlɛtər/

🇬🇧

/ˈlɛtə/

written communication

Etymology
Etymology Information

'letter' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'littera,' where 'littera' meant 'letter of the alphabet.'

Historical Evolution

'littera' transformed into the Old French word 'lettre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'letter' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'letter of the alphabet,' but over time it evolved to also mean 'written communication.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a written or printed communication addressed to a person or organization.

She received a letter from her friend.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a character representing one or more of the sounds used in speech; any of the symbols of an alphabet.

The word 'cat' has three letters.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35