literarily
UK[ˈlɪtərərəli]US[ˈlɪtəˌrerəli]
adv
In a way that relates to literature or the writing, study, or appreciation of literature.
adv
In a way that is characteristic of or appropriate to literature, especially in a self-consciously formal or elaborate style.
Morpheme Breakdown
liter
ar
i
ly
liter
letter
ar
adjective suffix
i
connective
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The adverb "literarily" is built upon the core Latin root littera, meaning a single letter of the alphabet, which expanded to denote writing and literature collectively. The suffix -ar was added to form the adjective "literary," describing matters pertaining to letters and written works. The final adverbial suffix -ly, of Germanic origin, was then appended to create a word specifying the manner of an action. Thus, the journey from a concrete mark on a page to an abstract concept of artistic expression is completed, with "literarily" precisely describing an action performed in a manner befitting formal written art.
Analysis
Structure: liter (letter) + ar (adjective suffix) + i (connective) + ly (adverb suffix)
- liter: From Latin littera (letter of the alphabet, writing).
- ar: A suffix forming adjectives, often from nouns of Latin origin (e.g., regular, solar).
- i: A connective vowel used in forming adverbs from adjectives ending in -ar.
- ly: An Old English suffix forming adverbs from adjectives, indicating manner or quality.
Examples
The novel is not just a story but literarily significant for its innovative narrative technique.
She spoke so literarily that her everyday descriptions sounded like passages from a poetic novel.
The event was covered literarily in several essays and reviews, analyzing its cultural impact.