literal-minded
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of literal-minded
First recorded in 1865–70
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This more-is-more approach also means that Ms. Poswa can come off as too literal-minded in several sections, repeating as she does the same idea over and over.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
As Elizabeth Yuko wrote for the History Channel last year, it was the rise of Charismatic Christianity — and televangelists like Billy Graham — who helped bring the fiery and literal-minded approach to contemporary demon-busting.
From Salon ● Oct. 8, 2023
So - in a literal-minded move - she walked on stage to Moving On Up, by 1990s hitmakers M People.
From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2022
People are sincere but lack passion and the ability to detect sarcasm; food is scarce and lacks salt; literal-minded bureaucrats appear well-intentioned but are borderline malevolent.
From New York Times ● May 26, 2020
"You don't look like her daughter," remarked Betty, who was literal-minded to a fault.
From A harum-scarum schoolgirl by John Campbell
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
