1. interpreting or understanding something in a strict, word-for-word sense rather than figuratively or symbolically
Usage: British spelling; American equivalent is 'literalizing'; present participle of 'literalise'
2. converting something abstract, figurative, or symbolic into a concrete, literal form or representation
Usage: British spelling; American equivalent is 'literalizing'

Examples

• The student was literalising the metaphor by drawing an actual broken heart instead of understanding its emotional meaning.
• By literalising the poem's imagery, the director created a visually striking but overly concrete film adaptation.
• She avoided literalising the author's symbolic language and instead explored its deeper themes.
• The artist is literalising abstract concepts through sculptural forms.
• Literalising every idiom in the text would result in nonsensical interpretations.