belletristic

English

Etymology

From belletrist +‎ -ic.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /bɛllɛˈtɹɪstɪk/

Adjective

belletristic (comparative more belletristic, superlative most belletristic)

1. Of, pertaining to, or having the characteristics of belles-lettres
   • M. Arnold

     An unlearned, belletristic trifler.

   • 2002, Joseph O'Connor, Star of the Sea, Vintage 2003, p. 229:

     The guest list was a roll call of belletristic London.

2. Written or appreciated for aesthetic value rather than content
   • 1992, Isaac Bashevis Singer (Translated by Leonard Wolf), The Certificate, Farrar Straus Giroux, page 1:

     I had already concluded that not one of my writings was publishable, having myself analyzed the faults of my belletristic production.

Related terms

• belletrist