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.
“The courts are wearing blinders and just focusing on the plain language of the statute. It’s a textual analysis,” he says.
From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026
The New York Times analysis relies heavily on textual analysis of old emails and posts, and in particular incorrect hyphen usage and British spelling.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026
In its briefs, the government has added a corroborative textual point.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
It claims that the “unambiguous textual mandates” of these laws is “colorblind and sex-neutral” selection of faculty, law review editors, and law review articles.
From Slate • Jul. 2, 2025
I listened to Imani and “gave textual evidence.”
From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi
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.
