Definitions and Etymology

The history of words through the painstaking research of etymologists since the 2nd century, has formed the basis for the definitions provided by modern lexicographers both in print, and online.

This has not prevented many words, especially homonyms from being commonly misused in society.

Fortunately, two websites strive to ensure the clarity of definition and origin.

The Pennsylvania author, historian, and journalist, Douglas Harper created Etymonline.com to give access to the explanations of words to everyone online. Using a variety of sources, he has compiled an archive of over 30,000 words which can be easily accessed through a simple search bar. It is now the leading site for etymology on the net.

This web success has been shared by Dictionary.com who are the online resource for definitions. Through their site, and multiple platform app, they have become an indispensable reference tool for everyone.

The content below is entirely that of the aforementioned websites, and is replicated here with their express written permission.


Etymology

literary (adj.)

1640s, “pertaining to alphabet letters,” from Fr. littéraire, from L. literarius/litterarius “belonging to letters or learning,” from littera/litera “letter” Meaning “pertaining to literature” is attested from 1737.

*as per etymonline.com

Definition

lit·er·ar·y

adjective

1. Pertaining to or of the nature of books and writings, especially those classed as literature.

2. Pertaining to authorship: literary style.

3. Versed in or acquainted with literature; well-read.

4. Engaged in or having the profession of literature or writing.

5. Characterised by an excessive or affected display of learning; stilted; pedantic.

6. Preferring books to actual experience; bookish.

*as per Dictionary.com


Etymology

rejection

1550s, from Fr. réjection (16c.) or directly from L. rejectionem, noun of action from reicere (see reject). In 19c., it also could mean “excrement.”

*as per etymonline.com

reject (v.)

early 15c., from L. rejectus, pp. of reicere “to throw back,” from re- “back” The noun is first recorded 1550s; rare before 20c.

*as per etymonline.com

Definition

re·ject

verb (used with object)

1. To refuse to have, take, recognise, etc.

2. To refuse to grant (a request, demand, etc.).

3. To refuse to accept (someone or something); rebuff: The publisher rejected the author’s latest novel.

4. To discard as useless or unsatisfactory.

5. To cast out or eject; vomit.

*as per Dictionary.com

We brought them both together to create our own name. One that was originally Literary Rejections. But our name was frequently shorted by our followers and those in the media who would refer to us as LitRejections. So we rebranded to that name early on, to create our own definition:

Definition

litrejections

brand

1. Helping creatives persevere through rejection.

Related articles

Previous article
Next article