Literature: meaning, definitions and examples
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literature
[ ˈlɪt(ə)rətʃər ]
study of written works
Literature is the body of written works, including novels, plays, poems, essays, and more, that are considered to be of high artistic or intellectual value. It encompasses a wide range of genres and styles, reflecting the diversity of human experience and expression.
Synonyms
creative writing, prose, written works
Examples of usage
- Literature can provide insights into different cultures and time periods.
- Studying literature helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Many great works of literature have been adapted into films and TV shows.
all written works of a specific time period or culture
In a broader sense, literature can refer to all written works of a specific time period or culture. For example, Elizabethan literature refers to the works produced during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in England.
Synonyms
cultural writings, period literature, written works
Examples of usage
- Elizabethan literature includes the works of Shakespeare and Marlowe.
- Victorian literature reflects the social and political issues of the Victorian era.
Translations
Translations of the word "literature" in other languages:
🇵🇹 literatura
🇮🇳 साहित्य
🇩🇪 Literatur
🇮🇩 literatur
🇺🇦 література
🇵🇱 literatura
🇯🇵 文学 (ぶんがく)
🇫🇷 littérature
🇪🇸 literatura
🇹🇷 edebiyat
🇰🇷 문학 (munhak)
🇸🇦 أدب (adab)
🇨🇿 literatura
🇸🇰 literatúra
🇨🇳 文学 (wénxué)
🇸🇮 literatura
🇮🇸 bókmenntir
🇰🇿 әдебиет
🇬🇪 ლიტერატურა
🇦🇿 ədəbiyyat
🇲🇽 literatura
Word origin
The word 'literature' originated from the Latin word 'literatura', which means 'writing formed with letters'. It has evolved over time to encompass a wide range of written works that are considered to have artistic or intellectual value. Literature has played a significant role in shaping cultures, preserving history, and exploring the human experience.
See also: illiterate, literacy, literary.