literal
Translation
literal, verbatim, exact
Examples
What is the literal meaning of this phrase?
What is the literal meaning of this phrase?
There was a literal flood of applications.
There was a literal flood of applications.
Grammar Patterns
((a)) literal ((noun)) taking words in their most basic sense The literal translation is not always the best.
Similar Words
Synonyms: verbatim, exact, factual; Antonyms: figurative, metaphorical
Etymology
From Latin 'litteralis' (of or belonging to letters), from 'littera' (letter).
Memory Tips
Think of the word 'letter'. It's about the actual letters or words as they are written.