Literalism

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An unwavering commitment to the precise interpretation of language or texts that disregards any figurative or symbolic meanings
2. A philosophy emphasizing the understanding of words in their most direct sense, ignoring metaphor or abstraction
3. A dedication to understanding words or writings exactly as they are presented without considering any hidden or metaphorical meanings

Etymology: "Literalism" is a plain English formation: "literal" with the suffix "-ism," which denotes a doctrine, practice, or habit of mind. The suffix comes from Greek "-ismos" through Latin and French, while "literal" itself traces back to the Latin "litera," meaning "letter" of the alphabet, which is why a literal reading is one that sticks to the letters of a text. The base word has a long path. "Litera" likely passed through Etruscan and Greek sources ("diphthera," meaning a prepared skin or parchment, appears in the chain), and the adjective "litteralis" was formed in Late Latin, passed into Old French as "literal," and reached Middle English in the same form. The suffix "-ism" entered English through the same Greek-to-Latin-to-French channel, so the whole word combines a Latin root with a Greek ending.

Synonyms: literalness, realism

Antonyms: figurative, metaphorical