Which word means learned, scholarly, bookish?

• A. esoteric
• B. erudite
• C. estimable
• D. exculpate

Answer: (B)

The concept tested is knowing vocabulary for describing someone with extensive knowledge. The word that means learned, scholarly, bookish is erudite. Erudite describes a person whose knowledge comes from deep study and reading, signaling a broad and well-cultivated education in a formal, positive way. The other options don’t match this sense: esoteric refers to knowledge that’s obscure or intended for insiders, not necessarily about being learned in general; estimable means worthy of respect but doesn’t imply scholarly achievement; exculpate means to clear someone of blame, which is unrelated to learning or scholarship. So erudite is the best match for “learned, scholarly, bookish.”