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literal
01
referring directly to the true meaning of a word or phrase
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
relational
ungradable
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
Inanimate
Plural form
literals
Examples
The proofreader corrected several literals before printing.
Lexical Tree
literalize
literally
literalness
literal
