interpret the meaning of a word or sentence superficially;interpret withoutreal understanding; misinterpret words through taking them too literally
❍ 读书时不能～，不求甚解。In reading one should not take the words too literally and be content with superficial understanding.
望文生义wang wen sheng yi
take the words at their face value
望文生义wànɡ wén shēnɡ yì
义：意义。看到某处词句，只从字面上去牵强附会，做出错误的解释。take the words too literally, misinterpret words through taking them too literally