emeritus
2 synonyms for emeritus, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Retired from a post, especially a university professorship, but allowed to keep the title as an honour.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use emeritus
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
professor emeritus
emeritus status
pope emeritus
emeritus chair
Formal, chiefly academic, religious and institutional.
Etymology
From Latin emeritus "having completed one's service", originally used of a soldier who had served his full term.
Full origin of emeritus →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between emeritus and emerita?
Emeritus is the masculine Latin form and emerita the feminine, so some institutions write "professor emerita" for a woman. Many now use emeritus for everyone, and both are considered correct.
Where does emeritus go in a title?
Traditionally after the noun, as in "Professor Emeritus of History", following Latin word order. Before the noun, as in "emeritus professor", is also widely used, especially in Britain.
Is an emeritus professor still paid?
Usually not. The title is honorary and typically brings continuing library access, an email address and the right to supervise or publish under the university's name rather than a salary.
