Literal ( adjective , adverb )

(As an adjective)

Literal ( adjective )

In accordance with, involving, or being the primary or strict meaning of the word or words; not figurative or metaphorical.

Origin:

Late middle english (in the sense "related to letters"): from latin litteralis, from littera "letter of the alphabet".

Examples:

1. The literal meaning of a word.
2. A literal translation.
3. They took his statement literally.
4. If you take the instruction literally, you'll never get it to work.
5. The story is based on a literal interpretation of the legend.

(As an adverb)

Literal ( adverb )

In accordance with, involving, or being the primary or strict meaning of the word or words; not figurative or metaphorical.

Origin:

Late middle english (in the sense "related to letters"): from latin litteralis, from littera "letter of the alphabet".

Examples:

1. The literal meaning of a word.
2. A literal translation.
3. They took his statement literally.
4. If you take the instruction literally, you'll never get it to work.
5. The story is based on a literal interpretation of the legend.