literalism Definition
- 1adherence to the literal interpretation of a particular doctrine or text, especially a religious one
- 2the tendency to interpret words and phrases in their literal sense
Using literalism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "literalism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The debate over the Bible's literalism has been ongoing for centuries.
Example
His literalism led him to take the text at face value, ignoring its metaphorical meaning.
Example
Her literalism made it difficult for her to understand sarcasm or irony.
literalism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for literalism
- preciseness
- exactitude
- rigidity
- letterism
Antonyms for literalism
- symbolism
- figuratism
- metaphorism
Phrases with literalism
the belief that the Bible should be interpreted literally, without any allowance for figurative or symbolic language
Example
Biblical literalism is a common belief among some Christian denominations.
the practice of interpreting the law strictly according to its wording, without considering its intent or purpose
Example
The judge's legal literalism led to a harsh sentence for a minor offense.
the belief that scientific theories and explanations should be taken literally, without any allowance for metaphorical or symbolic language
Example
Scientific literalism can lead to a narrow understanding of complex phenomena.
Summary: literalism in Brief
The term 'literalism' [ˈlɪtərəˌlɪzəm] refers to the adherence to the literal interpretation of a particular doctrine or text, especially a religious one. It can also denote the tendency to interpret words and phrases in their literal sense. Examples include biblical literalism, legal literalism, and scientific literalism. Its antonyms are figuratism, symbolism, and metaphorism.
