American English

How to pronounce literal

adjectiveB2Common word
LIHderl

/ˈlɪ.ɾɚ.l̩/

3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.

Using the exact words and meaning of a text, without changing them.

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

adjective

Using the exact words and meaning of a text, without changing them.

This is a literal translation of the original text.

What is the literal meaning of this expression?

Good to know

A literal translation follows the original words closely, so it may not sound natural in English.

Common phrases & grammar

literal translation · literal meaning · literal interpretation

a literal + noun

the literal meaning of + a word or phrase

adjective

True in the direct, real sense of the words, not a metaphor or an exaggeration.

His story was literally true, not a joke.

She meant the warning in a literal sense.

Common phrases & grammar

literal truth · literal sense · literal interpretation

be + literal

the literal truth

Useful expressions

Related words & forms