literary
gb/lˈɪtɚˌɛɹi/ us/lˈɪtɚˌɛɹi/
B2
English
~ 2500
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
related to literature
About books, writing, or stories that are thought to have artistic value.
Usage pattern:
[something] is literary
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'literary' with 'literal'; 'literary' refers to literature, while 'literal' means exact without exaggeration.
Synonyms
bookish (Suggests a strong interest in books or literature, sometimes overly so.)
|
artistic (Broader; relates to art in general, not just literature.)
Antonyms
nonliterary (Refers to works or content not related to literature.)
Collocations
literary works
|literary style
|literary criticism
|literary tradition
Themes
books
|arts
|education
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She won an award for her outstanding literary achievements.
- The novel is full of literary references to Shakespeare.
- He has a deep appreciation for literary style.
Learner examples
- She writes literary books.
- This is a literary story.
- He likes literary art.
adjective
formal
C1
property
2
having a literary style
Using words and style like in literature, not like in normal speaking.
Usage pattern:
[something] has a literary style
Common mistake:
Some learners think 'literary' only means 'about books', but it can also mean 'written in a book-like style'.
Synonyms
eloquent (Stylish and fluent in expression, but not necessarily literary in the artistic sense.)
|
poetic (Having qualities of poetry; often more emotional or lyrical than 'literary'.)
Antonyms
colloquial (Informal and conversational in style; opposite of formal literary style.)
Collocations
literary language
|literary tone
|literary devices
Themes
writing
|arts
|communication
|arts_entertainment
|education
Examples
- The essay was written in a highly literary style.
- Her speech had a literary tone that impressed the audience.
- He prefers simple writing over overly literary prose.
Learner examples
- The letter has a literary tone.
- This poem uses literary language.
- He writes in a literary way.
Grammar
Dictionary form
literary
IPA
GB/lˈɪtɚˌɛɹi/
US/lˈɪtɚˌɛɹi/
Syllables & stress
lit - er - ary (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (lit)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: literary
Word family
Core family
literature
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
non-literary
adjective
illiterate
adjective
illiteracy
noun
Expressions
literary criticism
1/lˈɪtɚˌɛɹi kɹˈɪtɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
formal
study and evaluation of literature
The study and judgment of books and other writing as art.
Examples
- She teaches a course on modern literary criticism.
- Literary criticism helps readers understand deeper meanings in texts.
literary device
1/lˈɪtɚˌɛɹi dɪvˈaɪs/
fixed phrase
writing technique for effect
A tool writers use to make their writing more interesting or powerful.
Examples
- Metaphor is a common literary device.
- Authors often use many literary devices to create mood.
literary genre
1/lˈɪtɚˌɛɹi ʒˈɑnɹə/
fixed phrase
category of literature
A type of writing, like poetry, novel, or drama.
Examples
- Romance is a popular literary genre.
- The book belongs to the science fiction literary genre.