Meaning

Exactly as stated; read or understood without interpretation; according to the letter; not figurative or metaphorical; following the letter or exact words; not taking liberties; etymonic rather than idiomatic..

Definitions by Sense

1. Exactly as stated; read or understood without interpretation; according to the letter; not figurative or metaphorical; following the letter or exact words; not taking liberties; etymonic rather than idiomatic.
2. Actual, real, physical.
3. That which generally assumes that the plainest reading of a given text is correct but which allows for metaphor where context indicates it.
4. Following the historical-grammatical method of biblical interpretation.
5. (uncommon) Consisting of, or expressed by, letters (of an alphabet); using literation.
6. (of a person) Unimaginative; matter-of-fact; literal-minded.
7. (proscribed) Used nonliterally as an intensifier. See literally for usage notes.
8. Misspelling of littoral.

Example Sentences

The literal translation of Spanish irse al otro barrio is "to go to the other neighbourhood" but it means "to die".

A literal reading of the law would prohibit it, but that is clearly not the intent.

a middle course between the rigour of literal translations and the liberty of paraphrasts

Within the constraints set by the original texts and by the mandates of the Division, the Committee has followed the maxim, 'As literal as possible, as free as necessary.' As a consequence, the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) remains essentially a literal translation.

Mechanically, operating this hybrid vehicle is sort of a cross between driving a car and taming an animal, which means the movie treats the audience to the sight of a man (pretending to be a teenager) driving a literal monster truck in a field next to a woman (also pretending to be a teenager) riding a horse.

It is most important to distinguish literalistic from literal interpretation. [...] ‘Literalistic’ interpretation is like word-for-word translation that yields the verbally exact or ‘formally equivalent’ versions but also runs the risk of overlooking the main (illocutionary) point. Literal interpretation, on the other hand, is more like a translation that strives for dynamic equivalence and yields the literary sense.

a literal equation

Telemarketers are the literal worst.

Word Forms

• more literal
• most literal
• lit.
• litteral
• literals

Synonyms for literal

Antonyms for literal

Related Words

When Should You Use Literal?

Use literal when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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