Epistolary: meaning, definitions and examples
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epistolary
[ ɪˈpɪstəˌlɛri ]
literature, writing
The term 'epistolary' refers to a genre of literature that involves the exchange of letters between characters. This form of storytelling allows for intimate glimpses into the characters' thoughts and emotions, providing a unique narrative style. It can also describe any work written in the form of letters.
Synonyms
letter-based, letter-related
Examples of usage
- The novel is told through an epistolary format.
- She wrote an epistolary novel consisting of personal letters.
- Many classic works are epistolary in nature.
Translations
Translations of the word "epistolary" in other languages:
🇵🇹 epistolar
🇮🇳 पत्राचारिक
🇩🇪 epistolary
🇮🇩 epistolari
🇺🇦 епістолярний
🇵🇱 epistolarne
🇯🇵 書簡体の
🇫🇷 épistolaire
🇪🇸 epistolar
🇹🇷 mektup türü
🇰🇷 서신의
🇸🇦 رسائلي
🇨🇿 epistolární
🇸🇰 epistolárny
🇨🇳 书信的
🇸🇮 epistolarni
🇮🇸 bréflegur
🇰🇿 эпистолярлық
🇬🇪 ეპისტოლარული
🇦🇿 epistolar
🇲🇽 epistolar
Word origin
The word 'epistolary' originates from the Latin word 'epistola', which means 'letter'. This Latin term itself comes from the Greek 'epistolē', meaning 'a letter or message'. The use of letters as a narrative style can be traced back to classical literature, and the genre gained popularity during the 18th century, particularly in novels. Writers like Samuel Richardson and later authors like Alice Walker utilized this form to explore the inner lives of characters through their correspondence. Over time, the epistolary format has maintained its relevance, inspiring modern literature as readers continue to find the communication between characters both engaging and revealing.