1 textual criticism | Definition of textual criticism
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textual criticism

noun

Definition of textual criticism

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, "Elsinore Smartly Reimagines Hamlet with Ophelia as the Hero," 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, "Quo Vadis? The Philosophical, Spiritual Floundering of Europe in 2017," 21 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'textual criticism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of textual criticism

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More from Merriam-Webster on textual criticism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about textual criticism

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