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letter¹ Definition

let·ter (let′ər)

noun

  1. a written or printed symbol employed to represent a speech sound or sounds; character in an alphabet: in some languages, as English, some words contain letters that are no longer sounded
  2. a written or printed message to a person or group, usually sent by mail in an envelope
  3. an official document giving certain authorities or privileges: usually used in pl.
    1. literature generally
    2. learning; knowledge, esp. of literature
  5. strict interpretation of the literal meaning, or the literal meaning itself; exact wording
  6. ☆ a cloth representation of the first letter of the name of a school or college, awarded and worn for superior performance in sports, etc.
  7. Printing
    1. a type, impression, or photographic reproduction of a character of the alphabet
    2. a particular style of type

Etymology: ME lettre < OFr < L littera, letter of the alphabet, (in pl.) a letter, epistle

transitive verb

  1. to make hand-printed letters on; mark with letters to letter a poster
  2. to set down in hand-printed letters to letter one's name

intransitive verb

  1. to make hand-printed letters
  2. ☆ Informal to earn a school letter as in a sport

letter¹ Related Forms

let′·terer noun

letter¹ Idioms

to the letter

just as written or directed; precisely

letter² Definition

let·ter (let′ər)

noun

a person who lets, or rents out, property

letter Synonyms

letter

n.

  1. A unit of the alphabet

    character, digraph, diphthong, capital, cap*, upper case, lower case, LC*, l.c.*, small letter, majuscule.*, minuscule.*, rune.*, uncial.*, alphabet.*, logotype.*, ligature; see also consonant, vowel.

    The Greek letters are: alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, zeta, eta, theta, iota, kappa, lambda, mu, nu, xi, omicron, pi, rho, sigma, tau, upsilon, phi, chi, psi, omega.

  2. A written communication

    note, epistle, missive, message, billet*, memorandum*, report*, line*; see also word 3.

    Types of letters include: business, form, circular, drop, open, chain, cover, fan, love, personal; letter of credit, letter of resignation, billet-doux, postcard, postal, direct mail advertising, junk mail*.

to the letter

just as written, just as directed, perfectly, precisely; see exactly.

letter Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • alphabet: Send us your suggestions for missing letters of the alphabet.
  • resignation: He had given a commitment in his letter of resignation to support the new Secretary of State.
  • objection: The fact that a letter of objection is received does not mean that the application will automatically be refused.
  • congratulation: We received a standing ovation and a personal letter of congratulation on behalf of the King.
  • complaint: I did not receive a reply to my letter of complaint.

Converse of object

  • write: During the SATs the students were expected to write a letter from an owl's point of view.
  • send: We will be sending a letter to you all nearer the time giving you full details.
  • receive: We have received nearly 2,000 letters at City Hall which are running 3 to 1 in my support.
  • cover: Contact: Please send your CV with a covering letter.
  • date: This information was conveyed to Mr Q in a letter dated 21 August.

Noun used with modifier

  • capital: Write your answer in capital letters on the answer sheet.
  • indemnity: Indemnity Letter to the Nominees, Declaration of Trust from the Nominee Shareholder.
  • referral: The Ombudsman found that parts of the consultant's referral letter to social services were open to misinterpretation.
  • confirmation: A confirmation letter will be sent to your e-mail address when the transaction is finished.
  • rejection: Do not be put off if you receive some rejection letters.
  • chain: It is a few steps above a chain letter.

Adjective modifier

  • undated: We will also include pre-signed, undated letters of resignation from nominee director, plus Notarised and Apostilled copy of Nominee Director ' passport.
  • lowercase: It is also the height of the body of lowercase letters in a font, excluding the ascenders and descenders.

Preposition: in

  • alphabet: Today I have been in existence for exactly the same number of years as there are letters in the Latin alphabet.
  • gilt: Original cherry-red cloth, blocked in black, lettered in gilt on spine.