literary
adj.-
1 related to literature (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediaterelating to books, poems, and plays that are considered to have artistic value.
pertaining to literature as a body of work or a field of study.
ExampleThe city is famous for its rich literary history and many famous poets.
ExampleThe university's literary archives contain original manuscripts from several Nobel Prize winners, providing invaluable insight into their creative processes.
- non fiction
- technical
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2 formal writing style (adj.) C1 Advanced Formalusing a style of language that is more formal or artistic than the way people usually speak.
characteristic of or appropriate to formal literature rather than everyday speech or functional writing.
ExampleThe author used very literary language that was beautiful but sometimes difficult to read.
ExampleHis prose style is notably literary, employing complex metaphors and archaic vocabulary that demand a high level of concentration from the reader.
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3 knowledgeable about books (adj.) C1 Advanced Formaldescribes a person who loves reading and knows a lot about books.
well-read or knowledgeable about books and the history of writing.
ExampleShe was a very literary person who spent all her weekends in old bookstores.
ExampleThe evening was spent in the company of literary types who debated the merits of Victorian poetry until the early hours of the morning.
- well read
- bookish
- educated
From French littéraire.