'literalistic' originates from English, specifically formed from the adjective 'literal' with the suffix '-istic'; 'literal' ultimately comes from Latin, specifically the word 'literalis', where 'litera' meant 'letter'.

'literalistic' developed in Modern English by combining 'literal' (from Latin 'literalis') with the productive adjectival suffix '-istic'; the base 'literal' passed into English via Old French/Latin roots and gave rise to derivative adjectives such as 'literalistic' in later usage.

Initially, 'literal' related to 'letters' or written text; over time compounds like 'literalistic' evolved to mean 'adhering to the letter (of the text)' or 'excessively literal' in modern usage.