literal
B2Meanings
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1
adj
without interpretation or embellishment
The witness provided the police with a literal depiction of the scene of the crime.
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2
adj
limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text
This is a fine literal translation, but it lacks all the nuance of the original text.
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3
adj
avoiding embellishment or exaggeration, used for emphasis
That is the literal truth.
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4
adj
Exactly as stated; read or understood without interpretation; according to the letter; not figurative or metaphorical; following the letter or exact words; not taking liberties; etymonic rather than idiomatic.
The literal translation of Spanish irse al otro barrio is "to go to the other neighbourhood" but it means "to die".
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5
adj
Actual, real, physical.
Mechanically, operating this hybrid vehicle is sort of a cross between driving a car and taming an animal, which means the movie treats the audience to the sight of a man (pretending to be a teenager) driving a literal monster truck in a field next to a woman (also pretending to be a teenager) riding a horse.
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6
adj
Following the historical-grammatical method of biblical interpretation.
It is most important to distinguish literalistic from literal interpretation. [...] ‘Literalistic’ interpretation is like word-for-word translation that yields the verbally exact or ‘formally equivalent’ versions but also runs the risk of overlooking the main (illocutionary) point. Literal interpretation, on the other hand, is more like a translation that strives for dynamic equivalence and yields the literary sense.
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7
adj
Consisting of, or expressed by, letters (of an alphabet); using literation.
a literal equation
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8
adj
Used nonliterally as an intensifier. See literally for usage notes.
Telemarketers are the literal worst.
Etymology
From Middle English literal, from Old French literal, from Late Latin litteralis or literalis (“of or pertaining to letters or to writing”), from Latin littera or litera (“a letter”). See letter.
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