Word: Literature

Pronunciation

/ˈlɪtərətʃər/

Definitions

• Noun: The written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit, such as novels, plays, poetry, and essays. Example: “Shakespeare’s plays are cornerstones of English literature.”
• Noun (in broader sense): Writings on a particular subject. Example: “The literature on climate change is vast and constantly growing.”
• Verb (less common usage): To study or be well-versed in literature. Example: “She decided to literature herself in classical Greek texts.”

Phrases

• “World literature”: Refers to literary works from all cultures across the globe.
• “Literature review”: A comprehensive summary and critical evaluation of existing research on a specific topic.
• “The classics of literature”: Refers to works that are highly esteemed for their enduring literary value.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is a staple of 19th-century British literature.”
• Verb: “His passion for literature drove him to read extensively and become a professor in the field.”

Synonyms

• Written works
• Literary works
• Prose
• Poetry
• Novels
• Books
• Writings
• Scholarship (when referring to academic literature)
• Canon (for established, respected works of literature)