Search Dictionary
Definition of literalness

literalness

/ˈlɪt.ɚ.əl.nəs/
lit · er · al · ness
Adverb:literally
•
Adjective:literal
JUMP TO:

literalness Lexical Profile

literalness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of adhering strictly to the primary, exact, or most basic meaning of words, without metaphor or exaggeration.

Example

"The translator was praised for the strict literalness of her rendering of the ancient legal text."

2

A tendency to interpret statements or events in a matter-of-fact, unimaginative, or overly pedantic manner.

Example

"His humorless literalness made it difficult for him to appreciate the irony in the novel."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for literalness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for literalness

• Nearby Words

literalist
literally
literalmindedness
literalness
literary
literate
literately

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Literalness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/literalness
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.