letter

• Nom désignant un message écrit ou imprimé, généralement envoyé par la poste, ou un caractère de l'alphabet.

A noun referring to a written or printed message, usually sent by mail, or a character of the alphabet.

1. Written messageA1formal

   A written or printed message sent to someone, usually in an envelope.

   Lettre (message écrit)

   • She wrote a letter to her grandmother.
   • I received a letter from the bank yesterday.
   • He mailed the letter this morning.

   Synonymesdispatchepistlelinemissivenote

2. Alphabet characterA1formal

   A character representing one or more sounds used in writing an alphabet.

   Lettre (caractère alphabétique)

   • The word 'cat' has three letters.
   • She learned to write the letter 'A' in school.
   • The password must contain at least one capital letter.

   Synonymesalphabetic charactercharactergraphemesignsymbol

3. Literal meaningB2formal

   The exact or strict meaning of a statement, as opposed to its spirit or intention.

   sens littéral

   • He followed the letter of the law, not its spirit.
   • The contract must be interpreted according to the letter of the agreement.
   • She adhered to the letter of the instructions.

   Synonymesliteralnesstext

   Antonymesspirit

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action d'écrire ou d'apposer des lettres, ou de marquer quelque chose avec des lettres.

A verb used to indicate the act of writing or inscribing letters, or marking with letters.

1. Write or inscribe lettersB2formal

   To write or print letters on a surface, often in a decorative or formal manner.

   Écrire ou inscrire des lettres

   • The artist lettered the sign by hand.
   • She lettered the title of the poster in gold ink.
   • He carefully lettered the invitation cards.

   Synonymesemblazonengrossinscribelabelmarkprintwrite

2. Earn a letter in sportsB2informalamerican

   To receive a varsity letter as an award for participation in a school sport.

   obtenir une lettre universitaire

   • He lettered in football and basketball during high school.
   • She lettered in track and field for three years.
   • Many students lettered in multiple sports.