literal
UK: ˈlɪt(ə)rəl | US: ˈlɪtərəl
adj. taking words in their usual or primary sense; not metaphorical or symbolic
adj. (of a translation) representing the exact words of the original text
adj. free from exaggeration or embellishment; factual
The word literal traces back to Latin litteralis, derived from littera (letter). Originally tied to the written word, it evolved to emphasize exactness—first in textual interpretation (e.g., "letter of the law"), later broadening to mean "strictly factual." The morpheme liter preserves its link to letters/writing, while -al generalizes it as an adjective. This reflects how language precision (letters → words → meaning) anchors the term’s logic.
The literal meaning of "blue" is a color, not sadness.
Her translation was so literal that it lost the poem’s rhythm.
He’s a man of few words, often speaking in literal terms.
The instructions must be followed in a literal sense to avoid errors.
The phrase "break a leg" isn’t meant to be taken literally.