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Definition of literature noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

      

    literature

     noun
    noun
    NAmE//ˈlɪt̮ərətʃər//
     
    , NAmE//ˈlɪt̮ərəˌtʃʊr//
     
    [uncountable]
     
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  1. 1pieces of writing that are valued as works of art, especially novels, plays, and poems (in contrast to technical books and newspapers, magazines, etc.) French literature great works of literature see comparative literature
  2. 2literature (on something) pieces of writing or printed information on a particular subject I've read all the available literature on keeping rabbits. sales literature
Topic CollocationsLiteraturebeing a writer
  • write/publish literature/poetry/fiction/a book/a story/a poem/a novel/a review/an autobiography
  • become a writer/novelist/playwright
  • find/have a publisher/an agent
  • have a new book out
  • edit/revise/proofread a book/text/manuscript
  • dedicate a book/poem to…
plot, character, and atmosphere
  • construct/create/weave/weave something into a complex narrative
  • advance/drive the plot
  • introduce/present the protagonist/a character
  • describe/depict/portray a character (as…)/(somebody as) a hero/villain
  • create an exciting/a tense atmosphere
  • build/heighten the suspense/tension
  • evoke/capture the pathos of the situation
  • convey emotion/an idea/an impression/a sense of…
  • engage the reader
  • seize/capture/grip the (reader's) imagination
  • arouse/elicit emotion/sympathy (in the reader)
  • lack imagination/emotion/structure/rhythm
language, style, and imagery
  • use/employ language/imagery/humor/an image/a symbol/a metaphor/a device
  • use/adopt/develop a style/technique
  • be rich in/be full of symbolism
  • evoke images of…/a sense of…/a feeling of…
  • create/achieve an effect
  • maintain/lighten the tone
  • introduce/develop an idea/a theme
  • inspire a novel/a poet/somebody's work/somebody's imagination
reading and criticism
  • read an author/somebody's work/fiction/poetry/a text/an article/a poem/a novel/a chapter/a passage
  • review an article/a book/a novel/somebody's work
  • give something/get/have/receive a good/bad review
  • be hailed (as)/be recognized as a masterpiece
  • quote a phrase/a line/a stanza/a passage/an author
  • provoke/spark discussion/criticism
  • study/interpret/understand a text/passage
  • translate somebody's work/a text/a passage/a novel/a poem
See literature in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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