literal reading
Taking words directly
A literal reading interprets text according to the plain, surface meaning of the words, without seeking symbolic, metaphorical, or hidden significance.
In religious contexts, a literal reading of scripture takes events as historical fact rather than allegory: a literal reading of Genesis.
In legal interpretation, it follows the exact wording of a statute.
The phrase often appears in contrast to figurative, contextual, or interpretive approaches.
- verbatimIn identical wording
- word-for-wordExactly as stated
- to the letterWith complete exactness
- exactPerfectly correct, no deviation
- plain meaningDirect, straightforward interpretation
plain · surface · taken at face value · straightforward · no frills · textual · strict · by the book · face value · scripture · chapter and verse · fundamentalist · explicit · direct · concrete · black-and-white · interpretation · meaning
literal readingmystical interpretation
Seeking spiritual meaning beyond literal
reading between the lines · poetic interpretation · critical reading · hidden meaning · close reading
literal readingfigurative meaning
Non-literal intended significance
metaphorical meaning · implied meaning · subtext · hidden meaning · coded meaning
literal, literally, literalness, literalism, literalist, literate, literacy, illiterate, illiteracy