Literary Meaning
Literary Definition & Usage
Pertaining to literature, especially high-quality written works or artistic works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama.
Examples
- "She has a strong literary background, having studied English literature at university."
- "The literary world was captivated by the novel's deep philosophical themes."
- "His literary talent was evident even in his early short stories."
- "They are planning a literary festival to celebrate classic novels and modern poetry."
- "Many literary scholars regard her novel as a milestone in contemporary fiction."
Describing a style or approach that is concerned with formal literary study or theory, often in a scholarly context.
Examples
- "He presented a highly literary analysis of the poem in his thesis."
- "Her writing style is deeply literary, often reflecting classical influences."
- "The professor's lecture was filled with literary references that enriched the class's understanding."
- "Literary criticism often explores themes of power and identity in texts."
- "The literary critique of the novel sparked debates among academics."
Describing someone with an interest in writing or reading as a hobby, rather than for professional or academic purposes.
Examples
- "He's a literary person, always with a book in hand during his free time."
- "The literary club meets every month to discuss various genres of novels."
- "Her literary tastes lean towards science fiction and fantasy."
- "Although not a writer by profession, he enjoys literary pursuits like journaling."
- "The gathering attracted literary enthusiasts from various walks of life."
Cultural Context
The word 'literary' derives from the Latin 'litterarius', referring to the written word, and has evolved to represent both the quality and academic aspects of literature. Over time, 'literary' has come to be associated with serious, artistic writing and scholarly pursuits, especially in relation to classics and works that are studied in academia. Today, 'literary' can also describe popular and modern works that are artistically valued.
The Literary Society's Secret
Story
The Literary Society's Secret
In a quiet town, there existed an exclusive literary society that only accepted the most passionate readers and writers. Evelyn, a young woman with a deep love for the classics, received an invitation one evening. She had always considered herself a 'literary' person, spending her weekends surrounded by books and discussing novels with her friends. But little did she know, this society wasn't just for reading; it was for the preservation of forgotten stories, lost works of art that no one else remembered. As she entered the society's meeting room, she noticed the air was thick with the smell of old leather-bound books. The walls were lined with shelves full of tomes, some so ancient that the titles had faded. She introduced herself to the members, all of whom were highly literate scholars, known for their deep, literary discussions about history, literature, and the world’s hidden tales. There was also a quiet woman named Clara, who had a unique literary style in her own right. "You have a true literary spirit, Evelyn," Clara said, her eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity. "But here, it’s not just about reading. We discuss, we preserve, and sometimes... we bring forgotten words to life." Evelyn's heart raced as she realized the true purpose of the society. It wasn’t merely about books or academic study; it was about reviving lost works and perhaps even influencing the future of literature itself. As the meeting progressed, they all sat around the table, sharing deep, literary critiques of various texts, analyzing the nuances of their meanings. At the end of the evening, Evelyn was given a task: to uncover an old manuscript, lost for centuries, hidden in the town’s library. The next few weeks were filled with research, late-night readings, and literary discussions with the members of the society. Evelyn’s understanding of 'literary' grew deeper; it was no longer just a personal interest or a pursuit of knowledge—it was a sacred duty to protect and revive the beauty of forgotten words. As the months passed, Evelyn became one of the most respected members of the society, a true 'literary' figure herself, whose love for books and stories had transformed into an obsession with preserving their legacy. The story of Evelyn's journey through the Literary Society spread, and soon, others joined, eager to partake in the mission of literary preservation and passion. And so, Evelyn realized that being literary wasn’t just about the books—it was about the power those words held to connect, inspire, and change the world.
Related Words
