belletrist
- adjective
- /ˈbɛləˌtrɪst/
- Literature
:
belletrista
- Many readers appreciate the belletrist qualities of her short stories, which emphasize mood and style.
Examples
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His belletrist approach to criticism values beauty of language over factual analysis.
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The magazine is known for its belletrist articles that focus on elegant prose and creative expression.
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Her writing is distinctly belletrist in nature.
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The novel was praised for its belletrist qualities.
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The magazine is known for its belletrist articles that focus on elegant prose and creative expression.
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His belletrist approach to criticism values beauty of language over factual analysis.
-
Many readers appreciate the belletrist qualities of her short stories, which emphasize mood and style.
Synonyms
Writing that focuses on beautiful language rather than useful information
Antonyms
How Literary
- Literature
26
7.0
- Literature
113
6.3
- Literature
94
3.5
208
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
belletrist = belletr + ist
Although formed with the agentive suffix '-ist', the lexical base derives from the borrowed French phrase 'belles-lettres' (not a productive English root), so learners cannot reliably infer the meaning from English morphemes alone.
Etymology
The word belletrist comes from the French phrase belles-lettres, which means 'beautiful writing'. So, when something is called belletrist it focuses on beautiful, stylish language rather than facts or information.