Here's a breakdown:
* "littera": This is the root word, meaning "letter," and it's the foundation of "literature."
* "-tura": This suffix signifies the "action or state of" being something. In this case, it indicates the act of writing or the state of being written.
Therefore, "literature" essentially means "the action or state of being written."
While you can break down the word into these parts, it's important to remember that "literature" is a complex concept that encompasses more than just the physical act of writing. It encompasses the written works themselves, the ideas they convey, and the impact they have on society.