literal
word
Definition
The word 'literal' means taking words in their most basic sense, without metaphor or exaggeration; exactly as stated.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used to contrast with 'figurative'. Often heard in phrases like 'literal meaning', 'literal translation', or (informally) for emphasis ('I'm literally dying'). Be careful: in everyday speech, 'literal' is sometimes misused for exaggeration.
Spanish: literalPortuguese (BR): literalPortuguese (PT): literalChinese (Simplified): 字面上的 - 逐字的Chinese (Traditional): 字面上的 - 逐字的Hindi: शाब्दिकArabic: حرفيBengali: শব্দগত - আক্ষরিকRussian: буквальныйJapanese: 文字通りのVietnamese: theo nghĩa đenKorean: 문자 그대로의Turkish: kelimesi anlamıyla - harfi harfineUrdu: لفظیIndonesian: harfiah
Example Sentences
The literal meaning of 'star' is a bright object in the sky.
basic
This is a literal translation of the French sentence.
basic
He took her words in a literal way and was confused.
basic
Don't take what I said in a literal sense—I was joking!
natural
She gave me a literal answer, nothing more.
natural
Sometimes, kids have a very literal way of seeing the world.
natural