literalism
[lit-er-uh-liz-uh m]
- adherence to the exact letter or the literal sense, as in translation or interpretation: to interpret the law with uncompromising literalism.
- a peculiarity of expression resulting from this: The work is studded with these obtuse literalisms.
- exact representation or portrayal, without idealization, as in art or literature: a literalism more appropriate to journalism than to the novel.
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Origin of literalism
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for literalism
Contemporary Examples
Things are so bad that we do not even realize that literalism itself had a different meaning in past epochs.
Gwyneth Was Right: America Turned Communication Into a Weaponized BattlefieldJames Poulos
June 1, 2014
Historical Examples
It is literalism, however, which bears the brunt of his attack.
Early Theories of TranslationFlora Ross Amos
This was so deep a conviction of her soul, that she had little patience with literalism.
The Story of a LifeJ. Breckenridge Ellis
They are immobilised by the dead weight of Biblical literalism.
Thoughts on religion at the frontNeville Stuart Talbot
Literalism and fanaticism are not vices confined to any one sect.
The End Of The WorldEdward Eggleston
The literalism of the Panorama has lately been invaded by an effort toward the Ideal.
literalism
- the disposition to take words and statements in their literal sense
- literal or realistic portrayal in art or literature
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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