Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English


literal adjective

Click to hear the UK pronunciation of this wordClick to hear the US pronunciation of this word/ˈlɪt.ər.əl//ˈlɪt ̬.ɚ-/ adj

Definition

The literal meaning of a word is its original, basic meaning
The literal meaning of 'television' is 'seeing from a distance'.
You need to demonstrate to the examiners that you have more than a literal understanding of the text.
Her translation is too literal (= done one word at a time), resulting in heavy, unnatural prose.
Compare: figurative

(Definition of literal adjective from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

NEW “literal” in other dictionaries

Word of the Day

be plain sailing

to be easy and without problems

Word of the Day

Blog

Read our blog about how the English language behaves.

Learn More

New Words

Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.

Learn More