Textualism - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Textualism is a method of interpreting legal or religious texts by focusing strictly on their literal meaning, without considering external context or the author's intent. It emphasizes the exact wording.
Definition:
Strict adherence to the exact wording of a text, especially in legal interpretation.
Synonyms:
literalism, strict constructionism, formalism
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
loose interpretation, contextualism
Common Collocations:
judicial textualism, constitutional textualism, statutory interpretation
Derivatives:
textualist, textualistic
Usage Tips:
Use 'textualism' when discussing legal theories focused on the literal meaning of texts, not intent or context.
Common Phrases:
strict textualism, modern textualism, originalist textualism
Etymology:
Derived from 'textual' (relating to text) + '-ism' (denoting a practice or philosophy).
Examples:
- 1. The judge applied textualism to interpret the statute precisely.
- 2. Textualism emphasizes the plain meaning of legal documents over legislative intent.
- 3. Critics argue that textualism ignores broader societal context in law.
- 4. Scholars debate whether textualism promotes consistency or rigidity in rulings.