literalitás

Literalitás, or *literalness*, refers to the quality of being expressed or understood in a straightforward, non-figurative manner. It contrasts with figurative language, such as metaphors, similes, or idioms, which rely on implied meanings rather than direct interpretation. In linguistics and rhetoric, literalitás denotes the use of words in their conventional, dictionary-defined sense without embellishment or abstraction.

The concept is fundamental in communication, as literalitás ensures clarity and precision. For example, the phrase "The sky is blue" is interpreted literally, whereas "His heart is blue" would typically be understood figuratively as expressing sadness. Misinterpretations often arise when literal meanings are applied to figurative expressions, leading to confusion or humor.

In literature and poetry, literalitás is sometimes contrasted with poetic license, where authors intentionally deviate from strict meaning to evoke emotion or imagery. However, even in creative writing, some passages rely on literalitás to ground the narrative in reality. Linguists and philosophers also discuss literalitás in relation to truth and interpretation, as literal statements are generally considered more objective than those with layered or symbolic meanings.

The term itself is derived from the Latin *littera*, meaning "letter" or "character," reflecting its roots in written and spoken language. While literalitás is often associated with simplicity, it remains a critical tool in ensuring effective communication across diverse contexts.