textual criticism

noun

1
: the study of a literary work that aims to establish the original text
2
: a critical study of literature emphasizing a close reading and analysis of the text

Examples of textual criticism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Ophelia has been, for centuries, the person in the text most considered for reinterpretations and textual criticism. Julie Muncy, WIRED, 8 Aug. 2019 First, the textual criticism of the Bible, originating in Germany and spreading throughout the West, undermined the Biblical foundation of Western Christianity. Garland Tucker, National Review, 21 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'textual criticism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of textual criticism was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near textual criticism

Cite this Entry

“Textual criticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/textual%20criticism. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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