literality

[lit-uh-ral-i-tee]

noun

plural

literalities 

1. the quality or state of being literal; literalness.

2. a literal interpretation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of literality¹

First recorded in 1640–50; literal + -ity

Example Sentences

If her description of “the Factory” strikes a superficial note, we can ascribe its stripped-down literality to Natsuki’s automaton identity.

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“With this style, we are looking for the crude side of the message, the literality,” Ms. Madesta said.

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In its underlying structure and symmetry and its avoidance of literality, the exhibit is as effective as such a temporary garden can be in a concrete cavern devoid of natural light.

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An obdurate, self-contained literality plagues autistic consciousness.

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Lattimore’s literality — English words arranged in Greek syntax — produces a language that is barely English, let alone representative of Homer’s poetry.

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