1. to interpret or represent something in a literal or strictly factual manner; to take something literally
Usage: chiefly British spelling; American English typically uses 'literalize'; often used in contexts of translation, interpretation, or artistic representation
2. to make literal or concrete; to convert an abstract concept into a literal or physical form
Usage: less common usage

Examples

• The translator chose to literalise every phrase rather than capture the poetic intent.
• Some critics argue that the film literalises the novel's metaphorical language too much.
• Don't literalise the idiom—it's meant to be understood figuratively.
• The artist attempted to literalise the composer's abstract musical ideas through visual imagery.
• When you literalise a metaphor, you often lose its emotional power.
• The director's decision to literalise the dream sequence made it less surreal and more mundane.