What does "textualism" mean?
Strict adherence to a text, especially to the Bible.
Textualism
noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Strict adherence to a text, especially to the Bible.
- Grammar: textualism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: accuracy, delicacy, exactness, fidelity.
- Useful contrasts: danish jurisprudence, legal doctrine, swedish lag doctrine.
- Usage evidence: First, building on the earlier work of philologists, historians, orientalists, and biblical scholars we have noted already, the late 19th and early 20th centuries witness growth and development of textualism, in which words are seen—no, revered—as the referential embodiment of meaning and truth.
How to use "textualism"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "textualism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
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- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "textualism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "textualism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "accuracy" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Strict adherence to a text, especially to the Bible. countable, uncountable
"First, building on the earlier work of philologists, historians, orientalists, and biblical scholars we have noted already, the late 19th and early 20th centuries witness growth and development of textualism, in which words are seen—no, revered—as the referential embodiment of meaning and truth."
- 2 A formalist legal theory that interprets based on the ordinary meaning of the legal text. countable, uncountable
"And this is the upshot of textualism: textualists do not want judges to make the law. This, at least, is the official doctrine, and it sounds very democratic."
- 3 Textual criticism, especially that of the Bible. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
danish jurisprudencelegal doctrineswedish lag doctrineconceptual design
Example
"First, building on the earlier work of philologists, historians, orientalists, and biblical scholars we have noted already, the late 19th and early 20th centuries witness growth and development of textualism, in which words are seen—no, revered—as the referential embodiment of meaning and truth."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "textualism"?
Common synonyms include: accuracy, delicacy, exactness, fidelity, literal interpretation, literal reading.
How do you use "textualism" in a sentence?
First, building on the earlier work of philologists, historians, orientalists, and biblical scholars we have noted already, the late 19th and early 20th centuries witness growth and development of textualism, in which words are seen—no, revered—as the referential embodiment of meaning and truth.
Etymology
From textual + -ism.