belles-lettres
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˌbɛlˈlɛtrə/
- Literature
- The literature class focused on belles-lettres, exploring works that celebrate style and artistic expression.
Examples
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Despite the absence of what the purist might call belles-lettres, the early days of Afro-American writing also have historical value.
Academic text (1992) -
Critics often discuss how belles-lettres differ from academic writing in their emphasis on creativity over factual content.
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Many students appreciate the beauty of belles-lettres because it encourages their love for literature.
Synonyms
158
3.9
Written works such as novels, poems, and plays that people value for art or ideas
1
9.9
Writings like essays, poetry, and criticism valued for their beauty
Antonyms
How Artistic
- Literature
440
4.1
- Literature
1
9.9
- Literature
2
6.5
- Literature
351
3.1
- Specialized
522
4.4
Surface Forms
Etymology
Belles-lettres comes from the French words belle ('beautiful') and lettres ('letters' or 'writing'), so it literally means 'beautiful writing'. Think of it as books and essays chosen for their style and art rather than for practical facts, which is why the term means literary work valued for beauty.