This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
literalism
[ lit-er-uh-liz-uhm ]
/ ˈlɪt ər əˌlɪz əm /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
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.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"
"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."
Question 1 of 7
IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?
OTHER WORDS FROM literalism
lit·er·al·ist, nounlit·er·al·is·tic, adjectivelit·er·al·is·ti·cal·ly, adverbWords nearby literalism
literacy, literacy hour, literacy test, literae humaniores, literal, literalism, literality, literalize, literally, literal-minded, literary
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use literalism in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for literalism
literalism
/ (ˈlɪtərəˌlɪzəm) /
noun
the disposition to take words and statements in their literal sense
literal or realistic portrayal in art or literature
Derived forms of literalism
literalist, nounliteralistic, adjectiveliteralistically, adverbCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012