Pronunciation: /ˈlɪtərəl ˈminɪŋ/
noun the primary or exact meaning of a word or phrase
A1 The literal meaning of the word 'cat' is a small domesticated carnivorous mammal.
A2 In English, the literal meaning of 'butterflies in my stomach' is feeling nervous or excited.
B1 When translating idioms, it's important to understand the literal meaning of each word.
B2 Poetry often conveys deeper emotions beyond the literal meaning of the words.
C1 Literary analysis involves looking beyond the literal meaning of the text to uncover deeper themes and symbolism.
C2 The author's use of irony adds layers of meaning beyond the literal interpretation of the text.
adjective being in accordance with the primary or exact meaning of a word or phrase
A1 The literal meaning of the word 'dog' is a domesticated mammal.
A2 In this context, the literal meaning of the phrase 'break a leg' is not to actually break a leg.
B1 It's important to understand the literal meaning of each word in order to fully comprehend the text.
B2 The literal meaning of the term 'global warming' refers to the increase in Earth's average surface temperature.
C1 The author often plays with the literal meaning of words to create deeper layers of meaning in the novel.
C2 Interpreting poetry requires looking beyond the literal meaning of the words to uncover the poet's intended message.
formal The literal meaning of the word 'dictionary' is a book that lists words in alphabetical order and gives their meanings.
informal When I say 'I'm on cloud nine', I don't mean it in a literal sense, I just feel really happy.
slang In internet slang, 'LOL' has a literal meaning of 'laugh out loud'.
figurative The figurative meaning of 'time flies' is that time seems to pass quickly, not that actual flies are flying around.
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