Relating to or based on a text or texts, especially in terms of detailed analysis of written works. It emphasizes the importance of examining the actual words and structure of a text rather than external factors.
From Latin 'textus' meaning 'woven' or 'text,' from 'texere' meaning 'to weave.' The metaphor of weaving reflects how words are interwoven to create meaning, with the adjective form emerging in English during the 15th century.
The word 'textual' carries the beautiful metaphor of weaving - texts aren't just words thrown together, but carefully woven fabrics of meaning. What's revolutionary about textual analysis is the idea that everything you need to understand a work can be found within the text itself, like a literary CSI investigation.
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