What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
literal
Example
When I said I was dying of thirst, I didn't mean it literally. [literal: adverb]
Example
The literal meaning of 'break a leg' is to wish someone good luck. [literal: adjective]
Example
The Bible is often translated literally from its original languages. [literally: adverb]
exact
Example
Can you give me the exact time the movie starts? [exact: adjective]
Example
The recipe requires exact measurements of each ingredient. [exact: adjective]
Example
The suspect's description was an exact match to the eyewitness account. [exact: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exact is more commonly used than literal in everyday language. Exact is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while literal is less common and often used in specific language or translation contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between literal and exact?
Both literal and exact can be used in formal and informal contexts, but exact is more neutral and versatile, making it more appropriate for formal settings.
