Literary Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：relating to literature (literary)

literary 🔊

/ˈlɪtəreri/

adj.

related to books, writing, or literature

relating to literature 🔊

➕

/rɪˈleɪtɪŋ tə ˈlɪtərətʃər/

adj.

Related to books, writing, or the study of literature; having a formal or artistic quality.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'littera' (letter) + '-ary', meaning related to letters or literature.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'lit' (illuminated) + 'erary' (as in library) – books light up your mind!

📖 Example

She enjoys reading literary novels that explore deep human emotions. 🔊 She delights in reading literary novels that examine deep human feelings.

🔗 Collocations

literary criticism – the evaluation and analysis of literature

literary work – a piece of writing of artistic or scholarly value

literary analysis – the close examination of literary texts

🔄 Synonyms

bookish (adj.) – Fond of reading; devoted to books.

scholarly (adj.) – Involving serious academic study or erudition.

erudite (adj.) – Having or showing great knowledge or learning.

🚫 Antonyms

nonliterary (adj.) – Not related to or characteristic of literature.

🌱 Derivatives

literally (adv.) – In a literal manner or sense.

literariness (n.) – The quality of being literary.

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin 'littera' (letter), via Old French. Historically used to describe works of artistic merit in writing and scholarship.