literalize

literalize — verb

  • literalizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • literalizes3rd person singular
  • literalizing-ing form
  • literalizedpast simple

1. to turn words, images, or ideas into a direct form that is meant exactly as stat

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

to turn words, images, or ideas into a direct form that is meant exactly as stated, not as a figure of speech

例句

The film literalized the fairy tale with costumes and a real castle.

literalize + story in visual form

Felipe literalized the joke by drawing every detail on the board.

literalize + joke by showing it

同義詞
  • concretize

    often means giving an abstract idea a tangible form; literalize more strongly suggests removing figurative meaning

  • spell out

    more common and less formal; it often means explain clearly rather than turn imagery into direct wording

  • make explicit

    broader term for stating something clearly; it does not always involve figurative language

文法句型

literalize + object

用法筆記

Usually takes objects such as a metaphor, image, joke, or story element. Common in literary criticism, classroom discussion, and media review.

常見錯誤

The editor literalized the essay by correcting its grammar.
The editor literalized the essay by replacing its metaphors with direct wording.
💡'Literalize' means make language or imagery direct, not simply improve the writing.