Words / B2

LIT-uh-r-uh-l/ˈlɪtərəl/

Literal means following the ordinary meaning of words, not a metaphor; also exact: the literal meaning; a literal translation. Figurative sits opposite; exact is close for numbers. Give the literal meaning of the metaphor first. Mix-up: literary is about literature (already in the dictionary); literally is the C1 adverb. Do not call a symbolic reading literal.

Meaning

Following the usual meaning of words, not metaphorical; also exact (a literal translation).

Examples

• “Give the literal meaning of the metaphor before you analyse it.”
• “A literal translation of the idiom sounds wrong, which is the word-for-word sense.”

Good to know

the literal meaning / translation; a literal + noun. Opposite: figurative. Trap: literary / literally. Literature and MFL. Exact words, not a symbol.

Near in meaning

exact

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