adj
literary
LIHT-ruh-ree
adj
1
Relating to literature, especially fiction, poetry, and other creative writing.
"She has a strong literary background, having studied English and Comparative Literature."
2
Suited to formal or artistic writing rather than everyday speech.
"The report used a literary style that felt out of place in a business memo."
How to Use Literary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving to do with literature, or written in a formal, artistic style.
Common pairings
literary criticism
literary fiction
literary agent
literary style
Word Forms
more literary comparative, most literary superlative
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She has a strong _____ background, having studied English and Comparative Literature.
Etymology
From French littéraire, ultimately from Latin littera ("letter").