LITERAL Meaning and
Definition
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Literal is an adjective that describes language or understanding in its most basic and straightforward sense, without deviation or metaphorical interpretation. It refers to the exact or precise meaning of words, without any figurative or symbolic connotations. When something is expressed in a literal manner, it means that it is presented exactly as it is, with no embellishments or exaggerated details.
In a broader sense, literal can also refer to a factual representation of reality or a situation, without any subjective or imaginative additions. It implies a strict adherence to the explicit content or reality of a given subject, rather than any abstract or inferred meaning. This can be applied to various contexts, including literature, art, science, or even everyday conversation.
Furthermore, the term literal can also denote a person who interprets language or information in a concrete and uncomplicated manner, without considering any underlying subtext or hidden meanings. This means that the individual takes language at face value and treats it as the most straightforward message communicated, disregarding any possible metaphorical or symbolic layers.
Overall, literal describes language, representation, or understanding that strictly adheres to the exact, straightforward, and factual meaning, without any metaphorical, symbolic, or imaginative interpretations.
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According to the letter or exact words; real; not figurative.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for LITERAL *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for LITERAL
Etymology of LITERAL
The word "literal" has its roots in the Latin word "literalis", which means "of or belonging to letters". It is derived from "litera", meaning "letter" or "script". In Latin, "literalis" referred to something related to the exact words or letters used in writing. Over time, "literal" came to be associated with the idea of adhering strictly to the original or primary meaning of a word or phrase, without metaphorical or figurative interpretation.
Idioms with the word LITERAL
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Literal Construction
The idiom "Literal Construction" refers to interpreting something in its most basic, straightforward, and literal sense, without employing any figurative or metaphorical interpretation. It means taking words or phrases at face value, without considering the intended meaning or context behind them.
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literal
Literal means according to the strict or actual meaning of a word or phrase, without exaggeration or metaphorical interpretation.
Similar spelling words for LITERAL
- litherland,
- literalise,
- littrell,
- literalism,
- laterally,
- literalize,
- lateral,
- laterality,
- Litteral,
- lateralize,
- literally,
- liberal,
- litoral,
- littoral.
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