Pronunciation

/ˈlɪtərəri/

Definitions

• Adjective: Relating to literature, books, or writing, often implying a concern with artistic or scholarly aspects. For example: “She has a degree in literary studies.”
  • Also used to describe something that is characteristic of literature or written works: “The novel contains many literary allusions.”
• Noun (plural form ’literaries’): Refers to literary works or writings collectively; can also refer to literary people or activities. For example: “Her interests include attending literary events and reading the latest literaries.”

Phrases

• “Literary canon”: The body of works considered to be the most important and influential in a particular culture or genre.
• “Literary analysis”: The process of examining a piece of literature to understand its meaning, themes, and techniques used by the author.
• “Literary devices”: Techniques used by authors to convey meaning, such as metaphor, simile, personification, etc.

Example Sentences

• Adjective: “The author’s use of metaphors is one of the literary highlights of the book.”
• Noun: “She immersed herself in the literary circles of New York City.”

Synonyms

• Bookish
• Scholarly
• Literary-minded
• Poetic
• Intellectual

For the aspect of being related to literature:

• Erudite
• Learned
• Cultured

For the collective sense of literary works:

• Literature
• Writings
• Works of fiction or non-fiction
• Prose or poetry