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literature
[ lit-er-uh-cher, -choor, li-truh- ]
noun
- writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristic or essential features, as poetry, novels, history, biography, and essays.
- the entire body of writings of a specific language, period, people, etc.:
the literature of England.
- the writings dealing with a particular subject:
the literature of ornithology.
- the profession of a writer or author.
- literary work or production.
- any kind of printed material, as circulars, leaflets, or handbills:
literature describing company products.
- Archaic. polite learning; literary culture; appreciation of letters and books.
literature
/ ˈlɪtərɪtʃə; ˈlɪtrɪ- /
noun
- written material such as poetry, novels, essays, etc, esp works of imagination characterized by excellence of style and expression and by themes of general or enduring interest
- the body of written work of a particular culture or people
Scandinavian literature
- written or printed matter of a particular type or on a particular subject
the literature of the violin
scientific literature
- printed material giving a particular type of information
sales literature
- the art or profession of a writer
- obsolete.learning
Other Words From
- pre·liter·a·ture noun
Word History and Origins
Origin of literature1
Word History and Origins
Origin of literature1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
Dr. Naim “purported to attribute to his opinions to the medical literature,” but was unable to provide any citations when prompted, the letter said.
So this new film comes heaped high with a century’s worth of heritage, in the traditions of literature, screen and stage, plus the massive expectations that come with that.
The painter was well-versed in ancient literature and philosophy, and he was instrumental in establishing a new European idea of art as a living, evolving, intellectual activity, following centuries of craft-based medieval practice.
Didion bridged the worlds of Hollywood, journalism and literature in a career that arced most brilliantly in the realms of social criticism and memoir.
In the same interview, he credited his grandmother for instilling in him a love of literature.
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Related Words
More About Literature
What is literature?
Literature is writing that uses artistic expression and form and is considered to have merit or be important.
As an artistic term, literature refers to written works, such as novels, short stories, biographies, memories, essays, and poetry. However, songs, movies, TV shows, video games, and paintings are typically not considered to be literature because the final output is not text.
At the same time, literature is usually thought to only include works of art. Informative works like newspapers, scientific journals, religious texts, press releases, and spreadsheets are generally not considered to be literature.
Yet in scientific study, especially anthropology or history, the word literature is used more broadly to describe everything that a specific society or group has ever written. For example, a researcher may be studying “Persian literature,” which would include even mundane, non-artistic pieces of writing that was created by a citizen of the Persian empire, such as lists of food supplies.
Why is literature important?
The first records of the word literature come from around 1375. It ultimately comes from the Latin litterātūra, meaning “grammar” or “writing.”
What writings are considered literature is often debated. Average readers and literary experts often disagree on what counts as literature. Literary experts also disagree among themselves what is and isn’t literature. Usually, literature is defined as being “of interest” or having importance, which is obviously a subjective quality. Who gets to decide if a piece of writing is important? In the past, the answer was “people who can read.” In your own life, the literature you have studied has most likely been selected by an English teacher or a literature department at a college.
In everyday life, the word literature is most likely to be used when speaking academically or scholastically. Libraries and stores that sell books are less likely to use this broad, unhelpful term and are more likely to categorize written works using more specific words, like poetry, romance, or young adult fiction.
Did you know … ?
The oldest author whose name we know was Enheduanna, a Sumerian princess and high priestess who wrote poetry dedicated to the gods over 4,000 years ago. Her literature is the oldest written work we know of.
What are real-life examples of literature?
People have many different opinions on what kinds of literature they like to read.
Who says great literature is dead? pic.twitter.com/m7yeKBkTxh
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) April 11, 2018
Reading my twitter feed is still reading so that counts as literature right?
— karlie jones (@__karlie__) March 11, 2013
What other words are related to literature?
Quiz yourself!
Which of the following is NOT considered to be literature?
A. a nature poem
B. a science fiction novel
C. a murder mystery television show
D. a president’s autobiography
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