Phi Beta Kappa

[ fahy bey-tuh kap-uh, bee-tuh ]

noun

1. a national honor society, founded in 1776, whose members are chosen, for lifetime membership, usually from among college undergraduates of high academic distinction.
2. a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

Phi Beta Kappa

/ ˈfaɪ ˈbeɪtə ˈkæpə; ˈbiːtə /

noun

1. a national honorary society, founded in 1776, membership of which is based on high academic ability
2. a member of this society

Word History and Origins

Origin of Phi Beta Kappa¹

from the initials of the Greek motto philosophia biou kubernētēs philosophy the guide of life

Example Sentences

Trotter graduated magna cum laude from Harvard and became the first black man named to Phi Beta Kappa.

From The Daily Beast

Harman is a magna cum laude graduate of Smith College, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and Harvard Law School.

From The Daily Beast

She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa.

From The Daily Beast

They told him all their news, what games had been won, who had made Phi Beta Kappa, and what had happened at the frat.

From Project Gutenberg

He took scholarly as well as social honors, and came forth a Phi Beta Kappa man.

From Project Gutenberg

In the second group were placed all the men elected to Phi Beta Kappa, on the basis of high scholarship.

From Project Gutenberg

This caused him to be elected to the Phi Beta Kappa, the society of scholars.

From Project Gutenberg

But of all this nothing can ever be known, because the feasts of Phi Beta Kappa are sealed with secrecy.

From Project Gutenberg