Textual
ˈtɛkstʃʊəl
Definitions
Relating to or based on a text; concerning or using written material.
ˈtɛkstʃʊəl
Relating to or based on a text.
A textual analysis of the poem revealed hidden meanings.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're reading a book and the story focuses on what the characters say and do within the text itself. That’s like being 'textual' – paying attention to the words.
👶 For kids: When something is 'textual,' it means it has to do with the words in a book or writing.
More Examples
The research paper provided a textual argument supporting the author's claim.
The editor made textual changes to improve clarity.
How It's Used
"The professor emphasized the importance of textual analysis in understanding the novel."
"The lawyer argued the case based on a textual interpretation of the contract."
"The digital text was analyzed for its readability."
Idioms & expressions
textual criticism
The process of establishing the original wording of a text by examining different versions of the same text.
"Scholars use textual criticism to determine the most accurate version of ancient manuscripts."
From Latin *textualis*, meaning 'of or relating to text,' derived from *textus*, past participle of *texere* meaning 'to weave' or 'to construct'.
Used since the late 18th century, initially in the context of biblical studies and literary analysis.
Memory tip
Think of 'text' and the suffix '-ual' to remember it relates to 'text'.
Word Origin
"woven; structure, construction"