li
te
ral
1
referring directly to the true meaning of a word or phrase
- The literal meaning of the phrase is very straightforward.
- His literal interpretation of the joke made everyone laugh.
- The book includes a literal description of the events that took place.
- She took his comment in a literal way, not understanding the sarcasm.
- The literal translation of the poem does not capture its beauty.
2
presented without exaggeration, interpretation, or decoration
3
focusing on the exact words only, without looking for deeper or implied meanings
- The lawyer's argument relied on a literal reading of the contract, emphasizing each clause's specific wording.
- Poetry can be challenging for literal thinkers because it often relies on symbolism.
- The joke flew over her head because she always thinks in literal terms.
- The literal translation of the phrase resulted in awkward wording that didn't capture the intended meaning.
- Children often have a literal understanding of language, struggling with metaphors and idiomatic expressions.
Antonyms:
4
emphasizing the extreme or intense reality of a situation, often to underline the strength of expression