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

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for textual criticism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism
• astigmatism