literal

adjective
UK: /ˈlɪtərəl/
US: /ˈlɪtərəl/

  1. The most basic or usual meaning of a word or phrase.

    1. I'm being literal when I say I want cake now, not later
    2. Taking his statement in its most literal sense, we can assume he's not happy.

  2. Following the words of the original very exactly.

    1. This is a literal translation of the book from Spanish.
    2. The translator aimed for a literal rendering of the poem, preserving its original structure.

  3. Used to emphasize that something is exactly as stated.

    1. There were literal piles of paperwork on his desk.
    2. The project was a literal lifesaver for the community, providing essential resources.

Synonyms

exact real actual precise explicit
literal adverb

  1. In a literal way or sense; exactly.

    1. I literally died when I saw this, it was funny.
    2. She literally jumped for joy when she heard the good news about the job.
literal noun

  1. A misinterpretation or restatement of something, often exaggerated.

    1. That's not what I said, that's a literal of my statement.
    2. His account of the event was a literal, bearing little resemblance to the truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "literal" in English means: The most basic or usual meaning of a word or phrase., Following the words of the original very exactly., Used to emphasize that something is exactly as stated..

The phonetic transcription of "literal" is /ˈlɪtərəl/ in British English and /ˈlɪtərəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "literal": exact, real, actual, precise, explicit.

Example usage of "literal": "I'm being literal when I say I want cake now, not later". More examples on the page.