Meaning & use
literal
Following the exact or primary meaning of words, without exaggeration, metaphor, or embellishment.
See it in a sentence
He took her comment literally, though she only meant it as a joke.
The literal translation of the phrase sounds awkward in English.
A note on using this word
Often contrasted with figurative; literally is commonly, and controversially, used for emphasis rather than exactness.
Words with a similar meaning
exactword-for-word
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Make it your own
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