adjective
Uncommon
emeritus
ih-MER-i-tuhs
Emeritus (adjective) means Retired from a post, especially a university professorship, but allowed to keep the title as an honour. Example: “She is professor emeritus of astrophysics at Edinburgh.”
adjective
1
Retired from a post, especially a university professorship, but allowed to keep the title as an honour.
"She is professor emeritus of astrophysics at Edinburgh."
"The emeritus director still attends the annual lecture."
noun
1
A person who holds such a title, particularly a retired professor.
"The department invites its emeriti to the summer garden party."
How to use emeritus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRetired but still allowed to use the job title as an honour.
When to use it
Formal, chiefly academic, religious and institutional.
Memory tip
The plural is emeriti; "emeritus" is not usually applied to someone who left a post before retirement age.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
emeritus vs emerita
emeritus vs honorary
Common pairings
professor emeritus
emeritus status
pope emeritus
emeritus chair
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She is professor _____ of astrophysics at Edinburgh.
Etymology
From Latin emeritus "having completed one's service", originally used of a soldier who had served his full term.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for emeritus
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of emeritus?
"emeritus" (adjective) means retired from a post, especially a university professorship, but allowed to keep the title as an honour.
