letter

• 指书写或印刷的信息，通常通过邮寄发送；也指字母表中的字母。

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.

   信件

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

   同义词dispatchepistlelinemissivenote

2. Alphabet characterA1formal

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

   字母

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

   同义词alphabetic charactercharactergraphemesignsymbol

3. Literal meaningB2formal

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

   字面意义

   • 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.

   同义词literalnesstext

   反义词spirit

• 动词，指书写或印上字母，或用字母标记、标注。

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.

   书写字母

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

   同义词emblazonengrossinscribelabelmarkprintwrite

2. Earn a letter in sportsB2informalamerican

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

   获得校队荣誉标志

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