Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Honorably retired from assigned duties while retaining one's title with the addition of 'emeritus': Used to denote a person, typically a professor, minister, or other professional, who has retired but retains their title as an honor for their service. For example, 'professor emeritus'.

2. Noun:

   • A person who holds the status of emeritus: Specifically refers to a retired professor or minister who has been granted the honorary title of 'emeritus'.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Professor Smith is now a professor emeritus at the university.
  • The emeritus board members were invited to the ceremony in recognition of their past service.

• Noun:

  • The department held a dinner in honor of the emeriti.
  • Several emeriti continue to contribute to the academic community through voluntary work.

Advanced Usage

• Plural Forms: The standard plural for the noun is emeriti (pronounced /ˌɛməˈraɪtaɪ/ or /ˌiːməˈriːti/), though emerituses is also occasionally used.

  • The conference was attended by many distinguished emeriti from various fields.

• Usage with Other Titles: While most common with 'professor', the term can be applied to other positions (e.g., 'director emeritus', 'president emeritus', 'curator emeritus'). It signifies a continued, though typically non-active, honorary association.

  • After 40 years as CEO, she was named president emeritus of the foundation.

Variants and Related Words

• Emerita (adj, f.): The feminine form of the adjective, used when the retired person is a woman.

  • Dr. Jones was appointed professor emerita of biology.

• Emeritus can also function as a postpositive adjective, meaning it commonly follows the noun it modifies (e.g., 'professor emeritus').

Synonyms

• Retired (with honor): This phrase captures the honorary aspect of the retirement.
• Honorary (in specific contexts): While 'honorary' often means a title given without the usual requirements, 'emeritus' specifically follows active service and retirement.

Notes on Meaning

• The term emeritus specifically implies that the retirement was honorable and that the individual's past contributions merit the continued use of their title. It does not typically imply ongoing full-time duties, though emeriti may retain certain privileges (like library access or an office) and may occasionally teach or advise.

Adjective

1. honorably retired from assigned duties and retaining your title along with the additional title `emeritus' as in `professor emeritus'

Noun

1. a professor or minister who is retired from assigned duties