literalize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal / Academic
Quick answer
What does “literalize” mean?
To make something literal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something literal; to interpret or represent something in a literal, factual, or concrete way.
To translate a metaphorical or abstract concept into concrete, factual terms; to apply a strictly literal reading or meaning to something that was originally figurative.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The spelling '-ise' is standard in UK English, while '-ize' is standard in US English. However, 'literalize' (with z) is common in many UK academic publications adhering to Oxford spelling conventions.
Connotations
Identical in both variants.
Frequency
Rare in both dialects, used almost exclusively in academic or highly educated discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “literalize” in a Sentence
[Subject] literalizes [Object (often abstract/metaphorical concept)]To literalize [something] (for [someone])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “literalize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Some readers mistakenly literalise the apocalyptic imagery in the poem.
- He has a tendency to literalise every metaphor, which ruins the poetic effect.
American English
- Modern audiences often literalize ancient myths, missing their symbolic function.
- The director chose to literalize the character's internal monologue with voice-over.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form 'literalizedly' exists. Use 'literally' or 'in a literalized manner'.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form 'literalizedly' exists. Use 'literally' or 'in a literalized manner'.]
adjective
British English
- [The adjective form 'literalized' exists as a participle.] His was a literalised interpretation of the parable.
American English
- [The adjective form 'literalized' exists as a participle.] The film presented a heavily literalized version of the dream sequence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary theory, religious studies, and philosophy to critique naive readings or reductions of complex texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare; a simpler phrase like 'take it too literally' would be used.
Technical
Used in semiotics and hermeneutics to describe a specific interpretative error.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “literalize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “literalize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “literalize”
- Confusing with 'literate' or 'literary'.
- Using it in informal contexts where it sounds pretentious.
- Misspelling as 'literilize' or 'literalise' (UK variant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but 'literalize' is a more formal, single-word verb often used in academic writing to describe the active process of making something literal.
Rarely. It usually carries a negative or cautionary connotation, implying a reduction or misunderstanding of something more complex or figurative.
The primary noun form is 'literalization' (US) / 'literalisation' (UK).
No, it is a low-frequency word used almost exclusively in formal, academic, or technical discussions about language, interpretation, and meaning.
To make something literal.
Literalize is usually formal / academic in register.
Literalize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪt(ə)rəlʌɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪtərəˌlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated. The verb itself describes a process often critiqued in idioms like 'to take something too literally'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LITERAL-ize' = to make something LITERAL. If a story says 'his heart was a stone,' to literalize it would be to believe he had a geological rock in his chest.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING (literally) / ABSTRACT IS CONCRETE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the closest meaning of 'literalize' in a literary critique?