Definition

1. Noun:
   • An honorary degree in letters: A Doctor of Humane Letters (often abbreviated as L.H.D. or D.H.L.) is an honorary academic degree awarded to recognize distinguished achievement and contribution in the fields of humanities, arts, literature, or public service. It is not earned through a course of study or dissertation but is conferred honoris causa.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The university will confer a doctor of humane letters upon the renowned philanthropist at this year's commencement.
  • She received a doctor of humane letters for her lifetime of work in promoting literacy and the arts.

Advanced Usage

• "To be awarded a doctor of humane letters": To be given this honorary degree as a form of recognition.
  • The poet was awarded a doctor of humane letters by his alma mater.
• "Honorary doctor of humane letters": A common full phrasing emphasizing the non-earned, honorific nature of the degree.
  • He holds an honorary doctor of humane letters from several institutions.

Variants and Related Words

• L.H.D. / D.H.L.: Common abbreviations for or .
  • The citation listed her new title as L.H.D.
• Honorary doctorate: A general term for any honorary doctoral degree.
  • An honorary doctorate was the highest accolade the college could bestow.

Synonyms

• Honorary degree: A degree awarded as an honor without fulfilling the usual academic requirements.
• Honorary doctorate in letters: A near-synonymous phrase specifying the field.

Related Phrases

• To confer a degree: The formal act of granting a degree.
  • The board of trustees voted to confer the doctor of humane letters.
• Commencement speaker: A role often filled by a recipient of such an honorary degree.
  • The commencement speaker, a new doctor of humane letters, addressed the graduating class.

Related Idioms

(This specific term, being a formal title, is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions. Its usage is primarily in formal, academic, or ceremonial contexts.)

Noun

1. an honorary degree in letters