Definitions

1. verb

to interpret (language, text, etc.) in a literal sense, without metaphor or figurative extension

“The teacher asked the students not to literalize the poem’s metaphors.”

2. verb

to express (an idea, concept, etc.) in literal terms

“The writer’s task was to literalize the abstract concept into a concrete form.”

3. verb

to make (something) literal or concrete

“The artist’s goal was to literalize the dreams in her paintings.”

4. verb

to give a literal or concrete form to (something abstract)

“The architect’s design aimed to literalize the concept of ‘space’ in the new building.”