1. adherence to the exact letter or precise wording of something, especially in interpretation
Usage: plural form of literalism
2. instances of taking words or statements in their most basic, literal sense without considering figurative meaning
Usage: plural form of literalism

Examples

• The teacher warned against literalisms when interpreting poetry.
• His literalisms made it difficult for him to understand jokes.
• The translation suffered from too many literalisms that ignored cultural context.
• Biblical literalisms can sometimes miss the deeper spiritual meaning.
• Her literalisms in reading the contract caused unnecessary confusion.
• The comedy was lost on those prone to literalisms.