Origin: Latin suffix -ure
Literature has 5 different meanings across 1 category:
creative writing of recognized artistic value
"She spent her evenings reading classic literature, captivated by the timeless stories and profound emotions within each page."
published writings in a particular style on a particular subject
"the technical literature"
"one aspect of Waterloo has not yet been treated in the literature"
The body of all written works.
"The university library contains a vast collection of literature from every era and culture."
In plain English: Literature is any written work that is considered valuable because of its artistic quality or cultural importance.
"Many students enjoy reading classic literature in their free time."
Usage: While "literature" can technically refer to all written works, in everyday conversation it specifically means books, poems, and plays that are considered artistically valuable. Use this word when discussing novels or classic texts rather than simple documents like manuals or receipts.
The word literature comes from the Latin litteratura, meaning "writing formed with letters," which entered Middle English via Old French. This term replaced the native Old English word bōccræft to describe written works and learning.