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nonliterary

nonliterary

1 5.4
Writing that is plain and based on facts and uses simple words
  • adjective
  • /nɒnˈlɪtərɪ/
translation icon : no literario
  • The simple present tense, because of its perfectivity, is adapted in nonliterary contexts such as sports commentaries for the purposes of narration.
  • literary or nonliterary
  • nonliterary texts
  • nonliterary language

Examples

  • In a meeting, the manager presented the project's details in a nonliterary manner, focusing solely on facts and data.

  • The utility of nonliterary language and mathematics is, of course, well established, but Langer argues that the subjective, feeling aspects of experiences do not "take the impress of discursive form" very well.

    Academic text (1995)
  • " It discusses both novels and nonliterary texts.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Moreover, this study does not incorporate any nonliterary evidence, for example, of an archaeological and therefore more highly localized nature, to any significant extent.

    Academic text (2007)
  • I have just glanced at the desk in my business, nonliterary office (I separate the functional from the aesthetic).

    Blog text (2)
  • Though rarely mentioned in the CCSS documents, the term is presently being used to describe a method of reading that can be applied to complex texts in both literary and nonliterary genres.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Conversely, there are texts, such as advertisements, which are traditionally considered nonliterary, yet which, to a large extent, fulfill the usual criteria of fictionality.

    Academic text (2004)
  • If I were credible enough to have my own blog, here are five nonliterary but literate blogs I read regularly that would have a place on my blogroll:

    Blog text (32)
  • The article was straightforward and nonliterary, providing clear instructions without any embellishments or stylistic flourishes.

  • Many newspaper articles are nonliterary, aimed at delivering information quickly and efficiently rather than entertaining the reader.

Synonyms

unliterary
vsnonliterary
7.2

Plain, direct writing that is not showy

is broader, focusing on factual content rather than artful or ornate writing
subliterary
vsnonliterary
  • Literature
9.9

Does not try to be artistic and often looks like a casual letter

is about straightforward, factual manner rather than judgments of artistic quality

Antonyms

literary
  • Literature
113 6.3

About books, writers, and the study of written works

How Literary

ornate
  • Literature
26 7.0
literary
  • Literature
87 6.5
prosaic
8 7.9
nonliterary
1 5.4
plain
264 1.0

Surface Forms

nonliterary positive

Morphology

nonliterary = literary (transparent) = non + literary

The negative prefix 'non-' combined with the adjective 'literary' yields a straightforward meaning 'not literary', which learners can derive from knowing 'literary'.

Etymology

Nonliterary is made of the part non- meaning 'not' and literary, which comes from literature meaning 'books and writing' and is related to the familiar word letter. So nonliterary describes language or style that is 'not' about books or art but plain, factual, and easy to read.