1. The interpretation of words or texts in their strict, exact, or most basic sense, without considering figurative or symbolic meaning
His literalism prevented him from understanding the poem's metaphorical language.
Seu literalismo o impediu de entender a linguagem metafórica do poema.
2. In art and philosophy, an adherence to realistic representation without idealization or abstraction
The painter's literalism made his works highly detailed and representational.
O literalismo do pintor tornou suas obras altamente detalhadas e representacionais.
3. Strict adherence to the literal meaning of religious texts or doctrines
The fundamentalist group's literalism shaped their interpretation of scripture.
O literalismo do grupo fundamentalista moldou sua interpretação das escrituras.