literality

[ lit-uh-ral-i-tee ]

noun

, plural lit·er·al·i·ties.

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

The threatenings of God's word are invested with a mantle of terrible literality by the facts we have been contemplating.

From Project Gutenberg

"Not a word," said Colville, glad of getting back to the firm truth again, even if it were mere literality.

From Project Gutenberg

I shall not attempt to describe it more than I have already done, for the most absorbing wonder of it was its literality.

From Project Gutenberg

But it cannot be unwise to accept in simple literality utterances of Scripture, however they may seem to strike us as strange.

From Project Gutenberg

The threatenings of God's Word are invested with a mantle of terrible literality by the facts we have been contemplating.

From Project Gutenberg