What is the term for a word-for-word interpretation?

What is the term for a word-for-word interpretation?

• A. Paraphrase
• B. Interpretive
• C. Literal
• D. Summarization

Answer: (C)

Word-for-word interpretation is described as literal. Literal means you reproduce the exact wording of the source as closely as possible, preserving the original words and order with minimal rephrasing. This contrasts with paraphrase, which restates the meaning in different words; summarization, which condenses the original; and interpretive work, which focuses on conveying meaning and may adapt phrasing to fit context or readability. The literal approach is used when precision of each word matters, such as in transcripts or situations where exact wording is important.

Word-for-word interpretation is described as literal. Literal means you reproduce the exact wording of the source as closely as possible, preserving the original words and order with minimal rephrasing. This contrasts with paraphrase, which restates the meaning in different words; summarization, which condenses the original; and interpretive work, which focuses on conveying meaning and may adapt phrasing to fit context or readability. The literal approach is used when precision of each word matters, such as in transcripts or situations where exact wording is important.