Definition

Noun: 1. The quality or state of being literal: Adhering to the concrete, factual, or primary meaning of a word, text, or concept, without metaphor, allegory, or exaggeration.

Usage

The noun "literalness" describes a strict interpretation that focuses on the explicit, surface-level meaning. It is often used in discussions about language, interpretation, law, and art to denote an approach that avoids figurative or symbolic understanding. - It is typically used in formal or academic contexts. - It often carries a neutral or slightly critical connotation, suggesting a possible lack of imagination or flexibility.

Examples

• The translator's excessive literalness made the poetic passage sound awkward and unnatural.
• His literalness prevented him from understanding the parable's deeper moral lesson.
• The contract was drafted with such literalness that there was no room for ambiguous interpretation.
• Critics argued that a slavish literalness in adapting the novel to film failed to capture its spirit.

Advanced Usage

• Philosophical/Artistic Context: In philosophy and literary criticism, "literalness" can be discussed as one end of a spectrum opposite "figurativeness" or "symbolism."
  • The debate centered on the literalness of the religious text versus its allegorical readings.
• Cognitive Context: In psychology, it can describe a cognitive style or a trait associated with certain neurodivergent conditions.
  • The child's literalness meant he was confused by common idioms like "break a leg."

Variants and Related Words

• Literal (adjective): Taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory.
  • a literal interpretation
• Literally (adverb): In a literal manner or sense; exactly. (Note: In informal use, it is often used for emphasis, diverging from its core meaning of "literalness.")
  • The word was translated literally.

Synonyms

• Factuality
• Concreteness
• Verbatim interpretation
• Letter (as in 'the letter of the law')

Antonyms

• Figurativeness
• Symbolism
• Metaphorical nature
• Abstraction

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Adherence to the letter: Following the exact wording of rules or text, closely related to "literalness."
  • The judge's ruling was a strict adherence to the letter of the statute.
• Take something literally: To interpret a statement in its primary, non-figurative sense.
  • You shouldn't take everything he says literally; he loves to exaggerate.

Noun

1. adhereing to the concrete construal of something