ENGLISH
REFERENCE

literal

adj. · n.
US //ˈɫɪtɝəɫ// UK //lˈɪtəɹəl// lit·er·al
  1. 1 exact meaning (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the most basic or exact meaning of a word, without any metaphors or exaggeration.

    pertaining to the primary or strict meaning of a word or expression; devoid of metaphorical or figurative interpretation.

    Example

    The literal meaning of 'blue' is a color, but it can also mean feeling sad.

    Example

    The translator struggled to balance a literal rendering of the text with the need to preserve the author's poetic tone.

    Usage

    usually placed before the noun
  2. 2 real or actual (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to emphasize that something is real or actually happened.

    denoting the actual or factual nature of a thing; used to emphasize that a description is not an exaggeration.

    Example

    The storm caused a literal mountain of trash to wash up on the beach.

    Example

    The explorers faced a literal wall of ice that blocked their path to the summit for three days.
    Pitfall
    I had a literal heart attack when I saw the bill.
    I had a figurative heart attack when I saw the bill.

    Avoid using 'literal' for things that did not actually happen; 'figurative' or 'metaphorical' is more accurate if you are exaggerating.

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 fixed value in code (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a fixed value written directly into a computer program, like a specific number or a piece of text.

    a notation for representing a fixed value within source code, as opposed to a variable or an identifier.

    Example

    In the code, the number 5 is a literal, while 'x' is a variable.

    Example

    The compiler optimizes the program by evaluating string literals at compile time rather than during execution.

    Usage

    countable noun in technical contexts
  2. 4 spelling mistake (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Technical

    a small mistake in printing or writing, especially one that involves a single letter.

    a typographical error involving a single character or letter, often occurring during typesetting or transcription.

    Example

    The editor found a few literals in the first chapter that needed correcting.

    Example

    Despite multiple rounds of proofreading, a single literal remained in the final title of the academic journal.
Origin

From Middle English literal, from Old French literal, from Late Latin litteralis or literalis (“of or pertaining to letters or to writing”), from Latin littera or litera (“a letter”). See letter.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference