stylistics

[ stahy-lis-tiks ]

/ staɪˈlɪs tɪks /

Save This Word!

noun (used with a singular verb)

the study and description of the choices of linguistic expression that are characteristic of a group or an individual in specific communicative settings, especially in literary works.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"

"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."

Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

have

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of stylistics

First recorded in 1840–50; see origin at stylistic, -ics

OTHER WORDS FROM stylistics

sty·lis·ti·cian

[stahy-li-stish-uhn], /ˌstaɪ lɪˈstɪʃ ən/, noun

Words nearby stylistics

styliform, styling mousse, stylish, stylist, stylistic, stylistics, stylite, stylize, stylo-, stylobate, styloglossus

British Dictionary definitions for stylistics

stylistics

/ (staɪˈlɪstɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular or plural) a branch of linguistics concerned with the study of characteristic choices in use of language, esp literary language, as regards sound, form, or vocabulary, made by different individuals or social groups in different situations of use

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012