What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
literality
Example
The author's use of literality in his writing made it easy for readers to understand his message. [literality: noun]
Example
The lawyer argued for the literality of the contract's wording, stating that it left no room for interpretation. [literality: noun]
literalness
Example
The scientist's report was praised for its literalness and accuracy. [literalness: noun]
Example
The comedian's jokes relied heavily on the literalness of language, often taking phrases and idioms at face value. [literalness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Literalness is more commonly used than literality in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between literality and literalness?
Both literality and literalness are relatively formal words, but literality is more commonly used in academic or literary contexts and may be considered more formal than literalness in those contexts.
