english word · 2026-07-14
epistolary
adjective
Meaning
Relating to or consisting of the writing of letters. In literature, it refers to a novel told through a series of documents like letters, diary entries, or newspaper clippings.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'epistolē' meaning 'letter' or 'message,' via the Latin 'epistolaris'.
Examples
"The author chose an epistolary format to create an intimate connection between the reader and the protagonist's private thoughts."
"Mary Shelley's Frankenstein begins with an epistolary frame, using Captain Walton's letters to his sister to set the stage for the narrative."
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