- A collection of written works, typically sharing common themes, styles, or cultural significance, that collectively reflect the ideas, values, and artistic expression of a particular period, genre, or group of authors.
The professor recommended reading a body of literature on environmental science to gain a deeper understanding of climate change and its implications.
Start tacking to remember the definition of "a body of literature" the next time you hear it or read it.
Discussion
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The term ‘body of literature‘ refers to a collection of written works or texts on a particular subject or by a specific group of authors.
The etymology of the phrase ‘body of literature‘ stems from the word ‘body‘ which has Old English origins, derived from ‘bodig‘ meaning ‘the physical structure of a person or animal.‘ In this context, it metaphorically signifies a collection or whole entity.
The word ‘literature‘ comes from the Latin ‘literatura,‘ meaning ‘learning, writing, grammar,‘ which in turn arises from ‘littera,‘ meaning ‘letter.‘ This indicates a focus on written works and extends to all texts considered as art or importance in culture.
Thus, ‘body of literature‘ conveys the idea of a complete, cohesive group of writings.
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