epistolary
UK: /ɪˈpɪstələri/ | US: /ɪˈpɪstəleri/
adj. relating to or consisting of letters (written correspondence)
adj. (of a literary work) written in the form of letters
epistolary = epistol<letter> + ary<adjective suffix>
- epistol: Derived from Latin epistola (letter), itself from Greek epistolē (message, letter), combining epi- (upon) + stellein (to send).
- ary: A suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -arius, indicating "related to" or "connected with."
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to ancient communication practices. Greek epistolē originally meant "something sent," reflecting the act of dispatching written messages. Latin adopted it as epistola, which entered Old French as epistle before evolving into English. The suffix -ary (via Latin) standardizes the adjective form, anchoring the term in literary and formal contexts.
The novel’s epistolary style immerses readers through intimate letters between characters.
Her research focuses on epistolary exchanges in 18th-century Europe.
The poet’s epistolary works reveal his private thoughts to distant friends.
Modern email has revived epistolary traditions in digital form.
Critics praise the film’s epistolary narration for its emotional depth.