What does textually mean?
Textually is an adverb meaning in relation to the wording or written form of a text. It is used when discussing the words themselves rather than a text’s subject, visual design, performance, pronunciation, or broader meaning. For example, two editions can be visually very different while being textually identical if their wording is the same. The word is especially common in academic, editorial, and linguistic discussions, where precise distinctions matter. It can describe whether a passage is faithful to an original, whether two versions differ in language, or how a text operates at the level of vocabulary, grammar, and phrasing. Although understandable to most speakers, textually is more precise and somewhat less everyday than alternatives such as “as written” or “in terms of the words.” Its usefulness lies in making explicit that an analysis concerns the written expression itself.
adverbIn or with respect to the wording, wording, or written form of a text. It can also mean in terms of the actual words or textual content, as opposed to other aspects of a work.
- In relation to the wording or written form of a text.
"The two editions are textually identical, although their typography and page layouts differ."
"The translation is textually faithful, preserving both the rhythm and the precise vocabulary of the original."
"The manuscript differs textually from the published edition, although the basic narrative is unchanged."
Textually shifts attention from what a message means to the precise words through which that meaning is conveyed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does textually come from?
Textually is formed from the adjective textual by adding the adverbial suffix -ally. The adjective textual comes through French from Latin textus, the past participle of texere, meaning “to weave.” The same Latin root underlies related English words such as text, texture, textile, and context. Over time, the root’s weaving imagery developed into the idea of words being woven together into a coherent written account.
Related word forms
How textually is actually used
Relatively formal and uncommon. It is most useful in academic, editorial, linguistic, or analytical contexts where a distinction between textual features and other features, such as imagery, sound, or visual presentation, is important.