Literary: meaning, definitions and examples

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literary

 

[ หˆlษชt(ษ™)rษ™ri ]

Adjective
Other
Context #1 | Adjective

writing style

Characteristic of or suitable for writing that is formal and literary in style, often involving the use of elaborate language and complex vocabulary.

Synonyms

artistic, cultural, eloquent, poetic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
literary

Used when referring to anything related to literature, books, or writing. It often signifies high-quality, well-crafted writing.

  • She attended a literary festival to meet her favorite authors
  • The book received numerous literary awards
poetic

Applies to language or writing that is rhythmic, expressive, and evocative, resembling poetry. It can also describe someone or something that possesses the qualities of poetry, like beauty or emotion.

  • Her descriptions of the landscape were almost poetic
  • The film's imagery was so poetic that it felt like a moving painting
artistic

Applied when talking about things related to art or artists. It emphasizes creativity, imagination, and visual or performance arts.

  • His artistic skills are evident in his stunning paintings
  • The city is known for its vibrant artistic community
eloquent

Used to describe a person who speaks or writes in a powerful, fluent, and effective manner. It often refers to speech or writing that is persuasive and moving.

  • She gave an eloquent speech on the importance of education
  • His eloquent writing captivated his audience
cultural

Appropriate for discussions about culture, traditions, or the collective customs of a group of people. It covers a broad spectrum including arts, heritage, and societal practices.

  • The cultural heritage of the country is rich and diverse
  • We attended a cultural event showcasing traditional dances

Examples of usage

  • It was a literary masterpiece that captivated readers with its poetic language.
  • The author's literary style was praised for its eloquence and depth.
  • The literary language used in the novel elevated it to a work of art.
  • Her writing had a literary quality that set it apart from other contemporary authors.
  • The literary nature of the text made it a challenging but rewarding read.
Context #2 | Adjective

related to literature

Relating to the study of literature, including its history, genres, and themes.

Synonyms

academic, bookish, literature-related, scholarly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
literary

Used to describe anything related to literature, such as works of written art (poems, novels), authors, styles, or criticism.

  • She has a keen literary talent.
  • The literary achievements of the author are unparalleled.
literature-related

Describes anything connected specifically with literature, which can include themes, studies, or discussions about literature.

  • She enrolled in a literature-related course.
  • The meeting focused on literature-related research.
bookish

Refers to someone who enjoys reading books and often spends a lot of time doing so. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting someone is more comfortable with books than social interactions.

  • He was a bookish child, always with his nose in a book.
  • Her bookish tendencies made her an excellent librarian.
scholarly

Used to describe a person or work that is serious, detailed, and done with thorough academic research. Often implies high levels of education and intellectual pursuit.

  • Her scholarly works are well-regarded in academic circles.
  • The journal only publishes scholarly articles.
academic

Used to describe formal studies, educational activities, and institutions. Often linked to scholarly pursuits, research, and educational systems.

  • His academic career has been very successful.
  • They are publishing their research in an academic journal.

Examples of usage

  • The literary club discussed classic works of literature.
  • The literary analysis of the poem revealed hidden meanings and symbols.
  • Her literary knowledge extended to both modern and classical texts.

Translations

Translations of the word "literary" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น literรกrio

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคพเคนเคฟเคคเฅเคฏเคฟเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช literarisch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sastra

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปั–ั‚ะตั€ะฐั‚ัƒั€ะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ literacki

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ–‡ๅญฆ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท littรฉraire

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ literario

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท edebi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฌธํ•™์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃุฏุจูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ literรกrnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ literรกrny

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ–‡ๅญฆ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ literarni

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bรณkmenntalegur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำ™ะดะตะฑะธ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒšแƒ˜แƒขแƒ”แƒ แƒแƒขแƒฃแƒ แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ษ™dษ™bi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ literario

Etymology

The word 'literary' originated from the Latin word 'litterarius', which means 'pertaining to letters or learning'. It first appeared in English in the late 14th century. Over the centuries, 'literary' has come to be associated with works of literature, writing style, and the academic study of literature. Today, it is widely used to describe anything related to literature or formal writing.

See also: illiterate, literacy, literature.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,142, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.