Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
literal
Adjective
/ˈlɪt.ər.əl/
Definition
The term used to describe the most basic meaning of a word or phrase, without any metaphor or exaggeration.
Examples
- He took her words in the literal sense, believing she meant exactly what she said.
- The literal meaning of ‘kick the bucket’ is to actually kick a bucket, but it’s often used as a euphemism for dying.
- She gave a literal interpretation of the story, focusing on the facts without looking for hidden meanings.
Meaning
When something is described as ‘literal’, it means it is understood in its exact sense, without interpretation or comparison.
Synonyms
- Exact
- Actual
- True
- Word-for-word
- Real
