B2adjective2K

Literary

UK /["/ˈlɪtərəri/"]/US /["/ˈlɪtəreri/"]/

Definition

connected with literature

In simple words: Related to books and writing.

Examples

  • **literary criticism/theory**
  • It was Chaucer who really turned English into a literary language.
  • a literary man
  • She was one of the great literary figures of her age.

Usage notes

Used when discussing books, poetry, and writing styles. It is appropriate in both casual and academic settings but may be too formal in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'literary' as 'literature + airy' — like being surrounded by books.

Collocations

  • literary analysis
  • literary device
  • literary critic
  • literary work
  • literary genre

Synonyms

  • written
  • bookish
  • poetic
  • narrative
  • fictional

Antonyms

  • nonliterary
  • nonfictional
  • scientific

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'literal' vs 'literary'.
  • Using 'literary' to describe non-writing related subjects.
  • Incorrectly using 'literary' as a verb.