literal

noun

(programming) A value, as opposed to an identifier, written into the source code of a computer program.

(logic) A propositional variable, or the negation of a propositional variable. ᵂᵖ

(epigraphy, typography) A misprint (or occasionally a scribal error) that affects a letter.

Misspelling of littoral. [A shore.]

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.

Actual, real, physical.

(of a person) Unimaginative; matter-of-fact; literal-minded.

(hermeneutics) (loosely) That which generally assumes that the plainest reading of a given text is correct but which allows for metaphor where context indicates it.

(hermeneutics) (theology, specifically) Following the historical-grammatical method of biblical interpretation.

(uncommon) Consisting of, or expressed by, letters (of an alphabet); using literation.

Misspelling of littoral. [Of or relating to the shore, especially the seashore.]

(proscribed) Used nonliterally as an intensifier. See literally for usage notes.

Roots

litteraliter- · Latin · letter

Synonyms for literal

denotativeadj realadj textualadj scripturaladj genuineadj verbatimadv lexicaladj

Synonyms & related words for literal

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of literal — including denotative, real, textual, scriptural, genuine, verbatim. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to literal

Explore words related to literal — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include literality, uniliteral, literalize, literalness, literalist, literalistic, metaphrase, metaphorical. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for literal

Common synonyms for literal include denotative, real, textual, scriptural, genuine, verbatim, lexical — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does literal come from?

The word literal breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root liter-, from Latin littera (“letter”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.