textual
adj.adj. relating to written words or the way a piece of writing is put together. You use this when talking about the actual words on a page rather than the ideas or pictures.
adj. relating to, consisting of, or based on a text. Often used in academic contexts to describe analysis that focuses strictly on the written word rather than external factors.
The teacher gave us some textual evidence for her theory.
The lawyer argued that the textual meaning of the contract was clear and did not require further interpretation.
Scholars often engage in textual criticism to determine the original version of a manuscript by comparing various surviving copies for errors and inconsistencies.
From Middle English textewell, textueel, textuel, textuele, tixtuel (“learned in texts, bookish”), possibly from Latin textuālis; also compare Middle French textuele; or perhaps a coinage by Chaucer from Latin textus and Middle English -el. English spelling conformed to Latin from late 15c. By surface analysis, text + -ual.
Typically used attributively before a noun; common in academic and legal registers.