literary Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective of or relating to or characteristic of literature
- literary criticism
adjective satellite knowledgeable about literature
- a literary style
adjective satellite appropriate to literature rather than everyday speech or writing
- when trying to impress someone she spoke in an affected literary style

L. litterarius, literarius,fr. littera, litera, a letter: cf. F. littéraire. See Letter.

Of or pertaining to letters or literature; pertaining to learning or learned men; as, literary fame; a literary history; literary conversation.
He has long outlived his century, the term commonly fixed as the test of literary merit. Johnson.
Versed in, or acquainted with, literature; occupied with literature as a profession; connected with literature or with men of letters; as, a literary man.
In the literary as well as fashionable world. Mason.
- e.g. a copyright