Literary

Definition

Concerning the writing, study, or content of literature, especially of the kind valued for quality of form.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɪtəreri/
• Respelling: LIT-uh-rer-ee (with "LIT" as in "sit," "uh" as in "sofa," "rer" as in "rare," and "ee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɪtərəri/
• Respelling: LIT-uh-ruh-ree (with "LIT" as in "sit," "uh" as in "sofa," "ruh" as in "sofa," and "ree" as in "see")

In both dialects, "literary" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "LIT." The American pronunciation emphasizes the "rer" sound, while the British pronunciation has a softer "ruh" sound in the middle.

Etymology

Derived from Latin "litterarius", which pertains to letters or literature. The term's evolution can be attributed to its association with matters related to reading and writing, encompassing the broader sphere of literature.

Derivatives

• Literature
• Literate
• Literacy
• Literary agent
• Literary criticism

Synonyms

• Literate
• Bookish
• Written

Antonyms

• Illiterate
• Non-literary
• Unwritten

Usage

The term "literary" is used to describe anything related to literature, including works of fiction, poetry, and prose, as well as the study and criticism of these works.

Related Terms

• Literature: Written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit.
• Criticism: The analysis and judgment of the merits and faults of literary or artistic works.
• Prose: Written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Literary (Adjective): Relating to the writing, study, or content of literature, especially of the kind valued for quality of form.
  • Example: "The university offers a wide range of literary courses."

• Literary (Adjective): Concerned with or characteristic of literature or scholarly writing.
  • Example: "She has a literary style that is both elegant and profound."