Word
literature
Phoneticslit·er·a·ture, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫɪtɝətʃɝ/
UK/lˈɪtɹɪtʃɐ/
Definitions
01creative writing
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Theater
n. books, poems, and plays that are considered to be art or have great value.
n. written works, such as fiction, poetry, and drama, that are regarded as having lasting artistic merit or cultural value.
日本語:文学※
“She decided to study English literature because she loved reading classic novels.”
“The course provides a comprehensive overview of Victorian literature, focusing on how industrialisation influenced the narrative structures of the era's major novels.”
02academic research
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Education Academic
n. all the books and articles written by experts about a specific subject.
n. the body of published work, including treatises and journal articles, related to a specific field of study or research topic.
日本語:文献※
“Before starting his experiment, he spent weeks reading the literature on plant growth.”
“A thorough review of the existing literature reveals a significant gap in our understanding of how these specific proteins interact under high pressure.”
Usage
Often used with the definite article as 'the literature'.
Synonyms
03leaflets or brochures
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. printed information like leaflets or booklets that explain a product or service.
n. printed matter, such as brochures, circulars, or leaflets, used to provide information or advertise a service.
“The travel agent gave us some literature about holidays in Greece.”
“The sales team distributed promotional literature to every attendee, ensuring that the technical specifications of the new software were clearly documented.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “literature” in context.
Verb
01. analyze literature
“We learned how to analyze literature for deeper symbolic meanings.”
verb + noun
02. consult literature
“You should consult the existing literature before starting your research.”
verb + noun
03. literature deals with
“Much of his literature deals with the themes of loss and identity.”
noun + verb + prep
04. literature suggests
“Current literature suggests that the treatment is effective in most cases.”
noun + verb
05. produce literature
“The region has produced a great deal of important literature over the centuries.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. children's literature
“He is a famous author who specializes in children's literature.”
adj + noun
07. classical literature
“Students are required to study classical literature, including works by Homer and Virgil.”
adj + noun
08. contemporary literature
“The course focuses on contemporary literature written in the last twenty years.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. body of literature
“There is a growing body of literature on the effects of social media.”
noun + prep + noun
10. a survey of the literature
“The professor provided a brief survey of the literature regarding urban development.”
11. contribute to the literature
“This new study will significantly contribute to the literature on genetics.”
12. major works of literature
“The exam covers several major works of literature from the 19th century.”
Etymology
From Middle English literature, from Old French littérature, from Latin literatura or litteratura, from littera (“letter”), from Etruscan, from Ancient Greek διφθέρᾱ (diphthérā, “tablet”). Displaced native Old English bōccræft.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/literature
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0