It covers a wide range of terms, concepts and theories related to english literature. Literature definition of literature by medical dictionary. But such definitions assume that the reader already knows what literature is. Colloquial usage indicating any printed matter on a given topic that is, manufacturers literature. The collected creative writing of a nation, people, group. Literature may be classified according to a variety of systems, including language, national origin, historical period, genre, and subject matter. Poets are especially known for playing with syntax, rearranging words into unusual orders. A brief biography of many well known authors has also been included. A more restricted sense of the term emerged during the romantic period, in which it began to demarcate imaginative writing. Definition and synonyms of literature from the online english dictionary from macmillan education. Information and translations of literature in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web.
See also english literature english literature, literature written in english since c. Middle english litterature from old french from classical latin litteratura from littera. English literature is the study of literature written in the english language. There are many different kinds of literature, such as poetry, plays, or novels. In literature, an anthology is a series of works collected into a single volume, usually with a unifying theme or subject. Literature noun definition and synonyms macmillan dictionary. Search literature source and thousands of other words in english definition and synonym dictionary from reverso. Definition of english literature in the definitions. In prose the structure refers to the linearity or nonline. English literature is the literature written in the english language, including literature composed in english by writers not necessarily from england. Either way, studies back the need for strong english programs in. Dec 18, 2019 romantic literature is marked by six primary characteristics. Romantic literature is marked by six primary characteristics. Change your default dictionary to american english.
Ive read all the available literature on keeping rabbits. Information and translations of english literature in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Most are written, but some are passed on by word of mouth. The word literature literally means things made from letters and the pars pro toto term letters is sometimes used to signify literature, as in the figures of speech arts and letters and man. Belleslettres is a more specific term for writings of a light. Literature definition is writings in prose or verse. English literature dictionary and glossary for students. French literature great works of literature see comparative literature. Old english literature, or anglosaxon literature, encompasses the surviving literature written in old english in anglosaxon england, in the period after the settlement of the saxons and other germanic tribes in england jutes and the angles c. Literature is defined as books and other written works. Jun 24, 2014 literature in english involves the reading and analysis of written materials of different kinds including fiction and nonfiction written works in english.
The action of evaluating or judging the quality or character of written materials such as poetry, essays, novels. English literature, literature written in english since c. Literature definition of literature by merriamwebster. Literature is writing, usually good, creative, or smart writing, or at least we hope it is. Novels, plays, and poetry are referred to as literature, especially when they are. Literature usually means works of poetry and prose that are especially well written. A comprehensive search of the literature concerning the evaluation of complex health information systems, particularly those most closely related to the development of an electronic health record, was conducted and used to generate a synthesis of the literature around evaluation efforts in this field and to outline a preliminary draft of an.
The writers of the british isles have produced a great wealth of literature. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Literature simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. They can also be put into groups through their language, historical period, origin, genre, and subject. In the attempt to define the term literature, one can distinguish between two general directions. Imaginative or creative writing, especially of recognized artistic value. Middle english literature, english literature of the medieval period, c. English literature article about english literature by the. We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website, including to provide targeted advertising and track usage. Definition of literature it is very difficult to offer a. Poetry is a vast subject, as old as history, present wherever religion is present, and possibly the primal form of languages themselves.
Choose from 500 different sets of definitions english 10 literature flashcards on quizlet. English literature kids britannica kids homework help. Literature definition for englishlanguage learners from. Jan 26, 2017 structure is the framework of narrative. Literature definition of literature by the free dictionary. Welcome to its tutorial schools comprehensive source of definitions for terms related to english literature.
The reign of elizabeth i began in 1558 and ended with her death in 1603. Literature definition, writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristic or essential features, as poetry, novels, history, biography, and essays. Neoclassical literature was written between 1660 and 1798. Definition of literature written for english language learners from the merriamwebster learners dictionary with audio pronunciations, usage examples, and countnoncount noun labels. In this lesson, we will examine the characteristics and literature of this time period. Definition of literature it is very difficult to offer a precise. All learners of literature in english should be ready to analyze whatever they read critically by the end of the course.
Search literature survey and thousands of other words in english definition and synonym dictionary from reverso. A common literature definition agrees that english literature includes literary works like novels, stories, poems, nonfiction and plays in english. Literature definition, writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas. Romantic literature definition of romantic literature by. The body of written works of a language, period, or culture. Syntax has also changed over time, and what was once common is now obscure, such as the form wert thou instead of. More restrictively, literature refers to writing considered to be an art form or any single writing deemed to have artistic or intellectual value, and sometimes deploys language in ways that differ from ordinary usage.
In english, the definition of literature is not so elegant. Learn definitions english 10 literature with free interactive flashcards. Literature dictionary definition literature defined yourdictionary. It is the means by which thoughts and concepts are conveyed. Poetry, literature that evokes a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience or an emotional response through language chosen and arranged for its meaning, sound, and rhythm. If you love books and have stacks of them at home, then you are a lover of literature. Literature dictionary definition literature defined. The writers do not necessarily have to be from england but can be from all over the world. Poetry is a vast subject, as old as history, present wherever religion is present. You can complete the definition of literature survey given by the english definition dictionary with other english dictionaries. Apr 14, 2020 literature usually uncountable, plural literatures the body of all written works. From longman dictionary of contemporary english related topics.
It is defined simply as the collection of written books that have superior merit and affect readers in some universal way while speaking. Definition of literature noun in oxford advanced american dictionary. The name has traditionally been applied to those imaginative works of poetry and prose distinguished by the intentions of their authors and the perceived aesthetic excellence of their execution. Middle english, from anglofrench, from latin litteratura writing, grammar. Englishspeaking people of other countries, such as the united states, canada, and ireland, have created their. You can complete the definition of literature source given by the english definition dictionary with other english dictionaries.
Literary definition is of, relating to, or having the characteristics of humane learning or literature. Literature, newspapers, printing, publishing literature lit. English literature english literature the renaissance period. Contemporary debates over what constitutes literature can be seen as returning. These works could be short stories, essays, poems, lyrics, or plays, and they are usually selected by an editor or a small editorial board. Naipaul was born in trinidad, and vladimir nabokov was russian, but all are considered important. They also include writers from other countries who have made england their home.
College level english literature often focuses on british literature while high school english literature often refers to literature written in english. Literature definition in the cambridge english dictionary. Middle english literature article about middle english. Literature meaning in the cambridge english dictionary. Those writers include people from scotland and wales in addition to england. Information and translations of literature in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on. Literature in english involves the reading and analysis of written materials of different kinds including fiction and nonfiction written works in english.
Syntax is clearly quite necessary in literature, and yet writers often take more liberties with syntax than other language users. Literature is a group of works of art made up of words. English definition, of, relating to, or characteristic of england or its inhabitants, institutions, etc. In western europe prior to the 18th century, literature denoted all books and writing. For most people, the desire to study literature begins with a love of reading. Derived from the latin word literature meaning writing formed with letters. Introduction to literature in english linkedin slideshare. Literature, most generically, is any body or collection of written works.
In a tradition of literature remarkable for its exacting and brilliant achievements, the elizabethan and early stuart periods have been said to represent the most brilliant century of all. Literature definition and meaning collins english dictionary. Romantic literature synonyms, romantic literature pronunciation, romantic literature translation, english dictionary definition of romantic literature. This is the british english definition of literature.