What does literalness mean?
Literalness is the quality of being direct and exact, especially in the way words are understood or expressed. It describes language that can be taken at face value, without metaphor, irony, exaggeration, or an implied meaning. In literary analysis and translation, literalness can refer to the faithful preservation of a text's exact wording or the careful explanation of what those words mean. The word can also suggest that someone interprets a statement without looking for a hidden significance. Because literalness may sound formal or mildly critical, it is often used to emphasize the absence of figurative interpretation. It is a useful term whenever precision and the relationship between wording and meaning need to be examined.
nounThe quality of being literal, especially of interpreting words or meanings exactly as they are expressed rather than inferring a figurative or implied meaning.
- The quality of interpreting or expressing language in a direct, exact, and non-figurative way.
"Her reply, delivered without irony or exaggeration, was remarkable for its literalness."
"The translator preserved the poem's literalness even when its imagery was difficult to convey."
"I trusted the signs of the contract to reflect their literalness rather than their broader implications."
The plural is possible but uncommon.
"The two versions differ in their levels of literalness."
Literalness is the art of meaning exactly what you said, with no hidden punchline required.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does literalness come from?
The word literalness comes from the adjective literal, which was borrowed from Latin literalis, meaning “of letters” or “according to the letter.” Latin literalis developed in a legal and religious sense meaning “of the letter” or “expressed in words,” in contrast to sense or spirit. In English, literal came to mean both “stated in words” and later “existing as a factual, non-figurative interpretation.” The suffix -ness forms a noun expressing the quality or state of being literal.
Related word forms
How literalness is actually used
Literalness is a formal or analytical term. It is often used when discussing interpretation, translation, language, or the precise meaning of a statement.
Easily confused with literalness
Literalness usually describes the quality of being straightforward and exact, whereas literality more often names the doctrine or practice of interpreting language strictly according to its literal meaning.