Literarily Meaning: Definition and Examples
📚
literarily
[ˈlɪtəˌrɛrɪli ]
Definitions
literal meaning
Literarily refers to the interpretation of words or phrases in their most basic sense without metaphor or exaggeration. It often pertains to textual analysis or reading, where meanings are taken at face value.
Synonyms
actually, exactly, verbatim.
Examples of usage
- The phrase was taken literally by the audience.
- She understood the joke literally, which led to confusion.
- In a literary discussion, we often analyze texts literally before considering deeper meanings.
literary context
In a literary context, literarily can refer to the appreciation or critique of literature, emphasizing its artistic aspects or the manner in which it is composed. This use often involves an exploration of style and narrative techniques.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The novel was literarily groundbreaking when it was published.
- She approached the poem literarily, focusing on its rhythm and structure.
- His analysis was literarily rich, offering insights into character development.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Using 'literarily' draws attention to an author’s style, how characters express feelings or how settings are described.
- Classical works like those of Shakespeare often employ techniques that can only be appreciated literarily.
- Contemporary authors play with language in a literarily way, merging different genres to create new narratives.
Education
- In education, analyzing a text literarily can enhance critical thinking and interpretation skills among students.
- Literary devices, like metaphors and similes, are often taught in classes to emphasize writing techniques.
Cultural Significance
- 'Literarily' is often used in discussions of cultural texts, highlighting how literature shapes and reflects society.
- In many cultures, storytelling is a vital way to pass down history and morals, and these stories are appreciated literarily.
Psychology
- Engaging with texts literarily can influence emotions and thoughts, creating deeper connections with readers.
- Studies show that readers who analyze texts literarily can develop greater empathy and understanding of different perspectives.
Origin of 'literarily'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'literarius,' meaning relating to letters or literature.
- It was first recorded in English in the late 19th century, showing a focus on the written word.
- The suffix '-ly' transforms the root word 'literary' into an adverb, emphasizing the manner of something being done.
The word 'literarily' derives from 'literary', which originates from the Latin word 'litera', meaning 'letter'. It entered the English language in the 16th century, initially used to refer to the written form of language as opposed to oral traditions. Over time, 'literary' evolved to encompass not only the written word but also the study and appreciation of literature as an art form. The adverbial form 'literarily' developed to describe actions or interpretations that are specifically related to literature or written texts. The modern understanding often contrasts literal interpretations with those that acknowledge metaphorical language or artistic expression, reflecting the complexities of reading and interpreting literary works.