belletrism

noun

bel·​le·​trism
bel-ˈle-ˌtri-zəm
variants or belles-lettrism
bel-ˈle-ˌtri-zəm
plural -s
: an interest in belles lettres to the neglect of more practical or informative literature : literary aestheticism
emphasis upon belletrism … is an educational luxury in this chaotic eraW. L. Moore

Word History

Etymology

belles lettres + -ism

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near belletrism

Cite this Entry

“Belletrism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belletrism. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!