adjective
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of or relating to a text or texts
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based on or conforming to a text
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of textual
1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin textu ( s ) ( see text) + -al 1; replacing Middle English textuel < Middle French < Medieval Latin, as above
Explanation
Anything textual has to do with writing. A textual analysis, comparison, or interpretation, has something to do with what is in a particular piece of writing (or text). Textual comes from the Latin word textualis, the adjective form of textus, ("text"). If you see the word, it is always related to some written material. This word is most commonly used in the study of religion, literature, philosophy, or the law — any field requiring the careful examination of various texts. A textual tattoo is one that features writing instead of an image.
Vocabulary lists containing textual
Reading: Literature - Middle School
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Reading: Literature - High School
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Reading: Informational - Introductory
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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.
Textual analysis holds promise as a useful tool to help researchers track and visualize both historic and current plant diseases, the researchers say.
From Science Daily • Feb. 15, 2024
You can also refer to Rhetorical Analysis: Interpreting the Art of Rhetoric for more on rhetorical analysis and Print or Textual Analysis: What You Read for more on print or textual analysis.
From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021
Textual evidence hints at the presence of sculptors and painters but rarely the details of their work or who they were.
From Science Magazine • Nov. 16, 2021
In 2017, yet another video was ferreted out by scholar-sleuths, and was reposted on the Evangelical Textual Criticism blog.
From The Guardian • Jan. 9, 2020
Origen, Clemens Alexandrinus, and Eusebius, though first-rate Authors, were so much addicted to Textual Criticism themselves, or else employed such inconsistent copies,—that their testimony is that of indifferent witnesses or bad judges.
From The Traditional Text of the Holy Gospels by Burgon, John William
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
