literal
An interpretation or translation of a word or phrase is literal when it's taken exactly as written.
When we talk about something being literal, we're usually talking about how we understand it. For example, if someone says "run for your life," and you think they mean to actually run away from danger with no hesitation, that's taking the phrase literally. On the other hand, if you think they're just using an expression to warn you about a problem, then you're understanding it more figuratively.
How common is "literal"?
It appears most frequently in academic texts and less often in other writings.
adjective
Exactly as stated; read or understood without interpretation; according to the letter; not figurative or metaphorical; following the letter or exact words; not taking liberties; etymonic rather than idiomatic.
Example: The literal translation of Spanish irse al otro barrio is "to go to the other neighbourhood" but it means "to die".
Real examples of "literal" in context
