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literaltaking words in their exact meaning, without metaphor or allegory

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: taking words in their exact meaning, without metaphor or allegory

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlɪtərəl/

Korean meaning: 문자 그대로의, 글자대로의

Korean pronunciation: **리**터럴

Example Sentences

  • My dad took 'Netflix and chill' literally and brought popcorn and blankets.
  • The literal translation of the document was confusing.
  • When she said 'I'm dying of laughter,' I was literally worried for a second.

literal

ADJECTIVE

//ˈlɪtərəl//

taking words in their exact meaning, without metaphor or allegory

literal concept
💡 Concept

A literal student expects actual cats and dogs falling from sky

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literal rhyme
🎵 Rhyme

Literal is like a mirror so clear — when you speak it direct, the meaning is dear, with figural thoughts we need not fear, for circular truth makes all appear

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈlɪtərəl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈlɪtərəl/

🌳Etymology

Rootliter
Suffix--al

Origin

From Latin 'literalis' meaning 'of or belonging to letters,' derived from 'littera' (letter). The word originally referred to what is written in letters, and evolved to mean 'taking words in their exact, primary sense.'

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🎵Rhyme

liberalfederalgeneral
liberal
federal
general

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📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My dad took 'Netflix and chill' literally and brought popcorn and blankets.

The literal translation of the document was confusing.

😄 Fun example

When she said 'I'm dying of laughter,' I was literally worried for a second.

The literal meaning differs from the figurative one.

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📚Related Words

Synonyms

exactpreciseactualverbatimword-for-word

Antonyms

figurativemetaphoricalsymbolic

Related

literallyliteratureliterateletter