noun 1.adherence to the exact letter or the
literal sense, as in translation or interpretation:
to interpret the law with uncompromising literalism. 2.a peculiarity of
expression resulting from this:
The work is studded with these obtuse literalisms. 3.exact representation or portrayal, without idealization, as in
art or literature:
a literalism more appropriate to journalism than to the novel.
Related forms lit·er·al·ist, noun
lit·er·al·is·tic, adjective
lit·er·al·is·ti·cal·ly, adverb