literal Definition
- 1taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory
- 2exactly true, rather than figurative or metaphorical
Using literal: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "literal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The literal meaning of 'head over heels' is upside down.
Example
I was using the word 'literally' to mean 'figuratively', but now I know that's incorrect.
Example
He took her statement literally and thought she meant it.
Example
The instructions must be followed to the literal letter.
literal Synonyms and Antonyms
Antonyms for literal
Phrases with literal
a translation that follows the exact words and structure of the original language, often resulting in awkward or unnatural phrasing
Example
The literal translation of the phrase 'it's raining cats and dogs' in French is 'il pleut des cordes,' which means 'it's raining ropes.'
literal-minded
tending to interpret statements or phrases in their most basic, straightforward sense, without considering any figurative or metaphorical meanings
Example
He's very literal-minded, so he doesn't understand sarcasm or irony very well.
the plain or straightforward meaning of a text, as opposed to any allegorical or metaphorical interpretations
Example
In the Bible, the story of Adam and Eve can be read in both a literal sense and a symbolic sense.
Origins of literal
from Latin 'literalis', meaning 'of or belonging to letters or writing'
Summary: literal in Brief
The term 'literal' [ˈlɪtərəl] describes taking words at their most basic sense, without metaphor or allegory. It can also mean exactly true, rather than figurative or metaphorical. Examples include 'The instructions must be followed to the literal letter' and 'He took her statement literally and thought she meant it.' 'Literal' extends into phrases like 'literal translation,' which follows the exact words and structure of the original language, and 'literal-minded,' which describes someone who interprets statements or phrases in their most basic, straightforward sense.
