What does literature mean?
Literature is the collective body of written works, especially those valued for their artistic, imaginative, or intellectual qualities. The word can refer to literature as a whole, to the writing of a particular period or culture, or to the academic study of such works. Expressions such as “modern literature,” “English literature,” and “comparative literature” are common. Because literature is usually a mass noun, it generally takes a singular verb and does not normally take an article when speaking broadly: one may say that a writer “has influenced literature.” Its plural form, “literatures,” is used mainly when discussing distinct national, cultural, or disciplinary traditions. The word is related to literacy, literate, literary, and literal, all of which ultimately derive from the Latin term for letters or learning.
nounWritten works, especially works of literary merit considered collectively. In a broader sense, it refers to the body of writing belonging to a particular period, culture, field, or subject.
- Written works, especially works valued for their artistic or intellectual quality.
- The body of writing associated with a particular period, culture, or subject.
- The study or study of literature as an academic discipline.
"She has devoted her life to the study of medieval literature."
"The lecture explores how folklore has shaped modern literature."
"Her dissertation examines the literature of the Enlightenment."
The plural is established in academic and cultural contexts, particularly when referring to distinct literary traditions or fields.
"The course compares the literatures of Britain and India."
The word literature comes from the Latin word for the letters of the alphabet, so its history is literally a story about writing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does literature come from?
Literature derives from the Latin “literatura,” meaning a writing or the letters of an alphabet, and ultimately from “littera,” “letter.” In English, the word developed from its original association with written learning and texts to its modern broad sense of written works, particularly creative or intellectually significant writing. Latin “literatus,” meaning learned or lettered, gave rise to related English words such as “literate” and “literacy,” while “literary” and “literal” belong to the same broader Latin family.
How literature is actually used
When referring to writing in general, “literature” is often a mass noun and is not normally used with a singular article. The plural “literatures” is established especially in academic contexts such as “comparative literatures” and when referring to distinct literary traditions.
Easily confused with literature
Literature refers to written artistic or intellectual works, whereas literacy refers to the ability to read and write.