1. plural of epistolary; literary works, especially novels, composed entirely or mainly of letters.
Usage: literary term; often used in academic contexts

1. of, relating to, or conducted by means of letters or correspondence.
Usage: formal; literary

Examples

• Many 18th-century epistolaries explored the inner thoughts of their characters through written correspondence.
• The novel's epistolaries format—told entirely through letters—gave readers direct access to each character's perspective.
• Scholars study epistolaries as important examples of experimental fiction.
• The author chose an epistolaries approach to create intimacy between reader and character.
• Famous epistolaries include works by Richardson and Shelley.
• Her epistolaries style of writing made the narrative feel personal and immediate.