Epistolary: meaning, definitions and examples

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epistolary

 

[ ɪˈpɪstəˌlɛri ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,321, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.