literature
UK[ˈlɪt.rə.tʃər]US[ˈlɪt̬.ɚ.ə.tʃɚ]
n
written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit
n
the body of written work on a particular subject
n
leaflets and other printed matter used to advertise products or give advice
Morpheme Breakdown
liter
ature
liter
letter
ature
state or condition of
Etymology
the word "literature" originates from the latin litteratura, meaning "writing formed with letters" or "learning." this, in turn, derives from littera, meaning "letter of the alphabet." the semantic journey begins with the concrete, physical mark of a letter, expands to denote a collection of such marks forming a text, and finally elevates to signify the collective body of esteemed written works within a culture or on a specific topic. the suffix -atura solidifies this abstract, collective meaning, transforming the simple concept of letters into the domain of artistic and intellectual written expression.
Analysis
Structure: liter (letter) + ature (state or condition of)
- liter: from latin littera, meaning "letter of the alphabet." it functions as the root, carrying the core semantic concept of written characters.
- ature: a suffix of latin origin (-atura), used to form nouns indicating a state, condition, or result. it functions to nominalize the root, turning the concept of "letters" into an abstract collective condition.
Examples
she is studying english literature at the university.
there is an extensive literature on the causes of the first world war.
the company produced some promotional literature for the new product launch.