literalism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the doctrine of realistic (literal) portrayal in art or literature
  2. noun a disposition to interpret statements in their literal sense

WordNet


Lit"er*al*ism noun
Definitions
  1. That which accords with the letter; a mode of interpreting literally; adherence to the letter.
  2. (Fine Arts) The tendency or disposition to represent objects faithfully, without abstraction, conventionalities, or idealization.

Webster 1913