literal interpretation
3
4.9
- noun
- /ˈlɪtərəl ˌɪntərprɪˈteɪʃən/
:
interpretación literal
- A strict literal interpretation of the instructions led to confusion when assembling the furniture.
But if you when when they talk about reading these stories, they'll write, they think the literal interpretation is the weakest and the least important.
- But if you when when they talk about reading these stories, they'll write, they think the literal interpretation is the weakest and the least important.
Examples
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The scriptural texts most often quoted against homosexuality are given a very literal interpretation, one that reinforces a narrow understanding of natural law.
Academic text (1991) -
Faith is more than adherence to a literal interpretation of any documents.
Blog text (27) -
We may be able to use science to say a literal interpretation of the flood story did not happen.
Blog text (27) -
Republicans believe in a strict literal interpretation of the Constitution.
Blog text (32) -
There is no such thing in the anglophone world as a "literal" interpretation of Scripture.
Blog text (3) -
In this, of course, is where I and people who believe in the literal interpretation of the Old Testament diverge.
Blog text (26) -
Biblical literalists should be persuaded to give up on the literal interpretation of the Bible.
Blog text (4) -
A literal interpretation of Macon's actions is sufficient to categorize him as such.
Academic text (1997) -
Notice that a literal interpretation of these verses indicates the plurality of God.
Blog text (19) -
Galileo's view was condemned because of an overly literal interpretation of a certain passage in Scripture.
Blog text (28)
Synonyms
2
7.0
A way of reading laws or rules that follows their exact written words without allowing change
Antonyms
How Literal
27
3.5
3
4.9
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly derived from the constituents: 'literal' (strict, nonfigurative sense) + 'interpretation' (an explanation), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a reading that follows the explicit meaning. This compositional pattern is straightforward and common across languages, so it is immediately comprehensible to learners.
Etymology
Literal interpretation comes from the simple image of reading each word on the page exactly as written. Taking literal (the exact words) and interpretation (how you understand them) at 'face value' is why it means a 'word-for-word' or 'exact' meaning.