letter
/-ɾə(ɹ)/
A written communication sent to someone, typically enclosed in an envelope. It carries a sense of intentionality and permanence that digital messages lack, often associated with formality, intimacy, or official record. In a legal or strict context, "the letter" refers to the literal wording of a law or rule, as opposed to its "spirit." This usage emphasizes rigid adherence to the text regardless of intent. As a symbol of an alphabet, it represents the smallest discrete unit of written language. While simple, this meaning is the foundation for all literacy and structured communication.
💬Casual Conversation
DAVID DID YOU MAIL THAT LETTER FOR ME? THE ONE FOR YOUR AUNT CAROL.
Ugh, it totally slipped my mind. I'll get around to it tomorrow.
Meanings
a character representing one or more of the sounds used in particular language
"The word apple begins with the letter a."
a written, typed, or printed communication, sent in an envelope
"I received a heartfelt letter from my grandmother yesterday."
Collocations & Compounds
cover letter
Noun collocation: a letter sent with a resume to introduce a job applicant
Please attach a cover letter to your application.
open letter
Noun collocation: a letter intended to be read by a wide audience, often published in a newspaper
The activists published an open letter to the governor.
letter of intent
Noun collocation: a document outlining the preliminary agreement between two parties
The companies signed a letter of intent before the final merger.
write a letter
Verb collocation: to compose a written communication to someone
I decided to write a letter to my grandmother.
letter the sign
Verb collocation: to paint or draw characters on a surface for display
The professional artist was hired to letter the sign.