Literary — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈli-tə-ˌrer-ē/ lit·er·ary

Meaning & Definition of Literary

Literary (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, or having the characteristics of humane learning or literature
  2. bookish
  3. of or relating to books

Literary (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. suggestive of the vocabulary used in books

    "the novel's dialogue is a little too literary in flavor to be entirely convincing"

    similar: bookish, erudite, learned
    related: academic, donnish, inkhorn, pedantic, scholastic, belletristic, highbrow, highbrowed, intellectual, educated, schooled, elevated, eloquent, formal, high-flown, lofty, majestic, stately, towering, bombastic, declamatory, florid, flowery, grandiloquent, highfalutin, pompous, stilted
    opposite: colloquial, nonliterary, unbookish
    near: chatty, conversational, familiar, informal, slangy, illiterate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Literary

The most common words with a similar meaning to Literary:

bookish, erudite, learned

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Literary

Words with the opposite meaning of Literary:

colloquial, nonliterary, unbookish

Related Words for Literary

academic, donnish, inkhorn, pedantic, scholastic, belletristic, highbrow, highbrowed, intellectual, educated, schooled, elevated, eloquent, formal, high-flown, lofty, majestic, stately, towering, bombastic, declamatory, florid, flowery, grandiloquent, highfalutin, pompous, stilted

Near Antonyms of Literary

chatty, conversational, familiar, informal, slangy, illiterate

Word Forms of Literary

Derived words: literarily (adverb), literariness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Literary

First known use: 1605

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Literary

Words & Phrases Containing Literary

literary executor, literary agent, anti-literary, preliterary

Frequently Asked Questions about Literary

What does "Literary" mean?

"Literary" means of, relating to, or having the characteristics of humane learning or literature. As an adjective, it is defined as: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of humane learning or literature.

What is another word for "Literary"?

Other words for "Literary" include bookish, erudite and learned. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Literary" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Literary"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Literary". Common alternatives include bookish, erudite and learned.

What is the opposite of "Literary"?

Antonyms of "Literary" include colloquial, nonliterary and unbookish. Near antonyms include chatty, conversational, familiar and informal.

How do you use "Literary" in a sentence?

Examples of "Literary" in a sentence: "the novel's dialogue is a little too literary in flavor to be entirely convincing".

Is "Literary" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Literary" is an adjective.

Is "Literary" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Literary" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Literary"?

"Literary" is pronounced /ˈli-tə-ˌrer-ē/ and divided into syllables as lit·er·ary.