Literalness

Literalness refers to the quality or state of adhering to the explicit, factual, or primary meaning of a word, phrase, or statement, without embellishment, interpretation, or figurative language. It emphasizes a strict adherence to the actual words used, taking them at face value and rejecting any symbolic, metaphorical, or implied meanings. The key feature of literalness is its commitment to a direct and unambiguous understanding, prioritizing accuracy and precision in communication or representation.

Literalness meaning with examples

• The detective's literalness was crucial during the investigation. He focused solely on the factual evidence, disregarding any speculation or assumptions. His literal interpretation of witness statements and crime scene details led to a clear understanding of the events. Without literalness, crucial details would have been missed, and the case might have been unresolved.
• In her analysis of the poem, the student exhibited a strong sense of literalness. She interpreted each line at its face value, failing to recognize the underlying metaphors or symbolism. While her analysis was factually correct, it lacked depth and nuance. The teacher encouraged her to consider the poem's deeper meanings, beyond its literal surface.
• His literalness created humorous situations during the play. The actor took the stage direction "die laughing" literally, making his character physically fall over, chuckling hysterically. The audience found this unexpected interpretation amusing, as it differed greatly from the intended dramatic effect of laughing on the inside. This highlighted the impact of word interpretation.
• The contract's literalness was essential in resolving the dispute. The lawyers relied solely on the precise wording of the document, interpreting each clause as written. This directness prevented any ambiguity, or disputes about implied or subjective intent of its writers. The judge affirmed the contract's literalness; this ensured a fair resolution of their claims.