textual criticism
1
8.9
- noun
- /ˈtɛkstʃuəl ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm/
- Specialized
:
crítica textual
- Textual criticism helps us recognize the great pluriformity of the text in the ancient period.
Examples
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After all, discussing textual criticism can be unsettling for those of particular theological persuasions.
Academic text (2007) -
Through textual criticism, experts determine which manuscripts best represent the original writings.
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Here I turn to the specific discipline of textual criticism, which has changed and developed through the years.
Academic text (2006) -
Is there any empirical evidence for this from outside textual criticism itself?
Academic text (2001) -
Because no two manuscripts are the same, textual criticism identifies what the original authors wrote.
Blog text (31) -
Textual criticism of the Bible had been on the scene since the mid-eighteenth century.
Academic text (2006) -
His main academic pursuit was in the foundational discipline of New Testament textual criticism.
Academic text (2007) -
Where existing manuscripts differ, the translators made their choice of readings according to accepted principles of New Testament textual criticism.
Academic text (2007) -
In textual criticism, scholars compare ancient manuscripts to uncover the original text.
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Textual criticism allows researchers to analyze differences between versions of a historical document.
Synonyms
A study of old Bible copies to find the original text
Study of original texts and documents, including describing, copying, editing, and adding notes
How Analytical
- Specialized
1
8.9
1
4.1
- Literature
52
3.7
- Literature
417
3.0
∞
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase literally reads as 'criticism (analysis) of texts,' so a B1 learner who knows both words would reasonably infer it involves analyzing or evaluating written material. However, the established scholarly sense—comparative, philological work to establish authentic or original texts—is a technical, discipline-specific meaning and 'criticism' can also be interpreted simply as negative judgment, so the exact specialized sense is not fully predictable without exposure.
Etymology
Textual criticism is like a detective's job with old books. Scholars compare many copies to spot changes and mistakes, so it means studying texts to find the 'original' or most 'authentic' words.