literal
li
ˈlɪ
li
te
ral
rəl
rēl
liberallaterallitoral

Definition & Meaning of "literal"in English

literal
01

referring directly to the true meaning of a word or phrase 

literal definition and meaning
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
qualitative
Superlative
most literal
Comparative
more literal
gradable
domain
language, interpretation, meaning
Examples
The literal meaning of the phrase is very straightforward. 
02

presented without exaggeration, interpretation, or decoration 

Examples
He described the event in a literal, factual manner. 
03

focusing on the exact words only, without looking for deeper or implied meanings 

Examples
The lawyer's argument relied on a literal reading of the contract, emphasizing each clause's specific wording. 
04

emphasizing the extreme or intense reality of a situation, often to underline the strength of expression 

Examples
The storm caused literal devastation across the city. 
Literal
01

an error in printed text caused by mechanical or production issues 

Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Compound
Countable
singular
not gender specific
Plural form
literals
Examples
The proofreader corrected several literals before printing. 

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literalness
literal
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