Textually refers to something that relates to, or is based on, a text or the words used in a text. It emphasizes the meaning and interpretation derived directly from the written or printed material, including its structure, phrasing, and content, as opposed to inferred meanings or secondary sources. Understanding something textually involves a deep dive into the actual words present. The word is used extensively in literary criticism, legal studies, and information technology. When dealing with textuality, it is important to be mindful of ambiguity, tone, and context, so that interpretations are always as accurate to the source as possible.
Textually meaning with examples
- The professor demanded a textually accurate analysis of the poem, insisting we focus solely on the words, not personal feelings. We had to consider the poem's rhythm, rhyme scheme, and imagery to determine the literal meaning, according to textual context, for its intended audience, which helped us understand what the author was getting at.
- In legal arguments, a judge may interpret a contract textually, focusing on the specific language used to determine its meaning and enforce its terms. Lawyers must scrutinize every phrase to analyze potential loopholes, and this interpretation is usually contrasted with arguments based on intention or precedent, which would allow for some ambiguity.
- When reviewing the software documentation, the engineers concentrated textually on each command and its parameters to understand its functionality. They had to cross-reference the code's comments with the provided explanations to determine its exact capabilities, and this required an attention to detail to the formatting of the document.
- Literary scholars debated textually the meaning of certain passages in the novel, referencing specific phrases and sentences. Discussions focused on the author's word choice, grammar and overall construction for the textual content, and the intent behind them. They debated and presented evidence from the text, rather than relying on outside factors like the author's biography.
- The translator rendered the foreign language document textually, striving for a word-for-word equivalent to preserve the original message. Careful comparisons of the translation with the original helped him ensure precision and accurate representation of nuances, for which any deviation would alter the outcome.