Literary: meaning, definitions and examples

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literary

[ˈlɪt(ə)rəri ]

Definitions

^{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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'literary' comes from the Latin 'literarius', meaning 'pertaining to letters' or writing.
It evolved through Old French as 'literer', showing the journey of written language through cultures.

Cultural Significance

Literary movements, such as Romanticism and Modernism, have shaped how stories are told and understood in different eras.
Awards like the Nobel Prize in Literature celebrate authors who contribute significantly to global culture.

Psychology

Engaging with literary texts can enhance empathy by allowing readers to step into diverse characters’ shoes.
Reading literary works is linked to improved cognitive skills, particularly in critical thinking and analytical abilities.

Pop Culture

Popular adaptations of literary works, like movies based on books, illustrate how stories can transcend mediums.
Famous literary quotes, such as 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,' have entered common speech, reflecting their lasting impact.

Education

Literary studies often form the core curriculum in many schools, focusing on analysis and interpretation of texts.
Works of literature are essential for understanding human experiences and societal changes throughout history.

Translations

Translations of the word "literary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 literário

🇮🇳 साहित्यिक

🇩🇪 literarisch

🇮🇩 sastra

🇺🇦 літературний

🇵🇱 literacki

🇯🇵 文学的

🇫🇷 littéraire

🇪🇸 literario

🇹🇷 edebi

🇰🇷 문학의

🇸🇦 أدبي

🇨🇿 literární

🇸🇰 literárny

🇨🇳 文学的

🇸🇮 literarni

🇮🇸 bókmenntalegur

🇰🇿 әдеби

🇬🇪 ლიტერატურული

🇦🇿 ədəbi

🇲🇽 literario

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.

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2139 export
2140 furnished
2141 classification
2142 literary
2143 organic
2144 recognize
2145 structural
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