literature
literature
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for the word "literature" is:
ˈlɪtəɹətʃəɹ
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
lit: /lɪt/
er: /əɹ/
a-ture: /ətʃəɹ/
Word Form Variations
The word "literature" is a singular noun. It does not have a plural forms.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Literature (Noun)
Definition: Written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit.
Synonyms: Books, writings, classics, prose, poetry, drama
Antonyms: Illiteracy, ignorance
Example sentence: The English literature class studied Shakespeare's plays.
Note: "Literature" can also refer to specific types of written works, such as scientific literature, technical literature, or popular literature.
Examples of Use
Books and Academic Journals:
Academic Journals: Articles in journals like PMLA or Modern Language Quarterly discuss specific works of literature, literary theory, and literary history.
Literary Criticism: Books like Harold Bloom's The Western Canon analyze and interpret significant works of literature.
Textbooks: High school and college English textbooks often include sections on literary analysis, historical context, and author biography.
Newspapers and Online Publications:
Book Reviews: Newspapers like The New York Times and The Guardian publish reviews of new books, both fiction and nonfiction.
Literary News: Online publications like Literary Hub and The Millions cover news about upcoming books, author interviews, and literary events.
Entertainment Media and Platforms:
Movies and TV Shows: Adaptations of classic literature like Pride and Prejudice and The Lord of the Rings are popular in film and television.
Streaming Services: Platforms like Netflix and Hulu offer a wide range of literary adaptations, original series inspired by literary themes, and documentaries about authors and their works.
Book Clubs: Online and in-person book clubs discuss books, share opinions, and engage in literary analysis.
General Public Discourse:
Education: Literature is a core subject in many educational systems, studied from elementary school to university.
Cultural Events: Literary festivals and book fairs celebrate literature and provide opportunities for authors and readers to connect.
Social Media: People discuss books, share reading lists, and engage in literary debates on platforms like Twitter and Goodreads.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Literature
"Literature is the most agreeable way of ignoring life." — Fernando Pessoa
"Literature is the art of discovering something extraordinary about ordinary people, and saying with ordinary words something extraordinary." — Boris Pasternak
"Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides." — C.S. Lewis
"Literature is news that stays news." — Ezra Pound
"The purpose of literature is to turn blood into ink." — T.S. Eliot
"Literature is the memory of humanity." — Isaac Bashevis Singer
"All literature is an attempt to understand the world." — Anonymous
"In literature as in love, we are astonished at what is chosen by others." — André Maurois
"Literature is the most powerful tool for revealing the soul of a people." — Anonymous
"Literature is a luxury; fiction is a necessity." — G.K. Chesterto
Etymology
The word "literature" comes from the Latin word "litteratura," which means "writing formed with letters." It's like saying "letter stuff" or "written things."
Originally, "literature" referred to any written work, whether it was a letter, a poem, or a history book. Over time, the meaning narrowed down to focus on creative writing, like novels, plays, and poetry.
The first known use of the word in English was around the 15th century. Back then, it was used to describe the study of books and learning.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Literature
While "literature" doesn't directly appear in many common idioms, it's often implied in phrases related to reading, writing, and intellectual pursuits. Here are some examples:
Phrases:
A lover of literature
A student of literature
A critic of literature
A history of literature
A body of literature
Idioms with a literary connotation:
Hit the books: To study diligently, often implying intense reading
Turn over a new leaf: To start afresh, often associated with personal growth or improvement, which can be inspired by literature
A well-read person: Someone who is knowledgeable and cultured, often due to extensive reading
A page-turner: A book that is so captivating it's hard to put down
These phrases and idioms highlight the significance of literature in our lives, whether it's for entertainment, education, or inspiration.
Posts Related to Literature
Source Information
Definition of literature from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
