Literal
/ˈlɪtərəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsConforming to the basic or primary meaning of a word or phrase; taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory.
/ˈlɪtərəl/
Adhering to the exact or primary meaning; not figurative or metaphorical.
I took his words in a literal sense, not realizing he was being sarcastic.
💡 Simply: When you say something literal, you mean exactly what you say, with no hidden meanings or jokes. Like, if someone says, 'It's raining cats and dogs,' and you respond literally, you might look outside expecting to see actual animals falling from the sky.
👶 For kids: When something is literal, it means exactly what it says. Like if I say 'the dog is big,' and it really IS big!
More Examples
The literal meaning of 'raining cats and dogs' is impossible.
The painting was a literal representation of the scene.
How It's Used
"The instructions should be followed in a literal way."
"The literal translation of the poem did not capture its beauty."
Dealing with facts and not with interpretations or inferences.
/ˈlɪtərəl/
Concerned with fact or with the actual words.
The historian provided a literal transcription of the ancient text.
💡 Simply: Literal can also mean something's true or real. Like, if a history book gives you a literal account of what happened, then it's telling you the plain facts, not a made-up story.
👶 For kids: When something is literal, it's like the true, real facts. Like, a literal history book tells you what *really* happened.
More Examples
The report offered a literal interpretation of the data.
He gave a literal translation of the passage.
How It's Used
"The journalist provided a literal account of the events."
"A literal transcription of the king's decree was provided."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
literal-minded
Taking words in their most basic sense; tending to interpret things in a straightforward way.
"The literal-minded student struggled with metaphors."
From Latin *litteralis*, meaning 'of or pertaining to letters,' 'alphabetic.' It evolved to mean 'in accordance with the letters or the primary meaning of a word.'
The word 'literal' has been used since the 15th century to describe something that is 'according to the letter' or 'precise.'
Memory tip
Think of letters (lit-er-al). If you read the words literally, you take them exactly as they are, like individual letters. Don't add extra meaning.
Word Origin
"littera (letter)"