novelist
UK: ˈnɒvəlɪst | US: ˈnɑːvəlɪst
Definition
n. a person who writes novels
Structure
novel <new, fictional story>ist <one who practices>
Etymology
novelist = novel<new, fictional story> + ist<one who practices>
- novel: Derived from Latin novellus (diminutive of novus, meaning "new"), referring to a fictional narrative.
- ist: A suffix from Greek -istes, via Latin -ista, denoting a person associated with a practice or profession.
Etymology Origin:
The word "novelist" emerged in the early 18th century, combining "novel" (originally meaning "new" but later specialized to prose fiction) with the agent suffix "-ist." It reflects the transition of "novel" from a general term for novelty to its modern literary sense, with "-ist" marking the creator of such works.
Examples
The novelist spent years crafting her debut book.
As a celebrated novelist, he won multiple literary awards.
She aspired to become a novelist after studying literature.
The novelist’s vivid descriptions brought the characters to life.
Critics praised the novelist for his innovative storytelling.