Reading Theme:
Literal Definition, Examples & How to Use It (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：taking words at face value (literal)
literal
/ˈlɪtərəl/
adj.
Understanding words in their most basic and direct meaning, without adding imagination or thinking about deeper meanings.
taking words at face value
➕
/ˈteɪkɪŋ wɜːrdz æt feɪs ˈvæljuː/
adj.
Refers to the most basic, straightforward meaning of words, without considering any implied, metaphorical, or exaggerated sense.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'littera' (letter). Literally means 'of or pertaining to letters'.
💡 Mnemonic
LITERAL sounds like LETTER-ALL, think of taking every LETTER as it is.
📖 Example
When my friend said "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse," I knew she didn't mean it in a literal sense; it was just an expression.
I understood my friend was using hyperbole for emphasis, not stating a factual desire to consume a horse.
🔗 Collocations
literal meaning – the most basic and direct meaning of a word or phrase
literal interpretation – an understanding that sticks strictly to the explicit words
literal sense – in the most straightforward, non-figurative way
🔄 Synonyms
exact (adj.) – precise and accurate in meaning
verbatim (adj./adv.) – using exactly the same words
word-for-word (adj.) – reproducing every single word exactly
🚫 Antonyms
figurative (adj.) – using words in a non-literal, metaphorical way
metaphorical (adj.) – describing one thing as if it were another to suggest a likeness
symbolic (adj.) – representing something else by association or convention
🌱 Derivatives
literally (adv.) – in a literal manner or sense; exactly
literalism (n.) – the practice of taking words in their literal sense
literalness (n.) – the quality of being literal
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'litteralis' (of letters), from 'littera' (letter). It entered English in the late 14th century, originally meaning 'taking words in their natural meaning'. This reflects the core idea of adhering to the basic 'letters' or words themselves.
Meaning 2：word-for-word (literal)
literal
/ˈlɪtərəl/
adj.
Following the original words exactly, word for word, without any changes or adjustments in translation or quotation.
word-for-word
➕
/ˈwɜːrd fər ˈwɜːrd/
adj.
Refers to a translation, quote, or copy that follows the original text exactly, without deviation, adaptation, or interpretation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
For this legal document, we need a literal translation that captures every detail of the original text, not a free translation.
Accuracy is paramount, requiring a translation that mirrors the source text's structure and terminology precisely.
🔗 Collocations
literal translation – a translation that closely follows the wording of the original
literal transcript – a written copy that records speech exactly as spoken
literal rendering – an exact representation or reproduction of the original text
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
free (adj.) – not literal; taking liberties with the original wording to convey meaning or style
paraphrased (adj.) – expressed in different words, especially for clarity
interpretive (adj.) – involving explanation or adaptation of meaning
🌱 Derivatives
literally (adv.) – in a literal manner or sense; exactly
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