lit·er·al 
/ˈlɪtərəl/ adjective
/ˈlɪtərəl/ adjective 1 : involving the ordinary or usual meaning of a word
▪ I was using the word in its literal sense. ▪ The literal meaning of “know your ropes” is “to know a lot about ropes,” while figuratively it means “to know a lot about how to do something.” 2 : giving the meaning of each individual word : exact
▪ a literal translation of a book 3 : completely true and accurate : not exaggerated
▪ The story he told was basically true, even if it wasn't the literal truth. 4 [more literal; most literal] — used to describe someone who understands words and statements only in the most basic and ordinary way and does not have much imagination ▪ He was a very literal [=literal-minded] man.
▪ I was using the word in its literal sense. ▪ The literal meaning of “know your ropes” is “to know a lot about ropes,” while figuratively it means “to know a lot about how to do something.”
▪ a literal translation of a book
▪ The story he told was basically true, even if it wasn't the literal truth.
— lit·er·al·ness /ˈlɪtərəlnəs/ noun [noncount]
/ˈlɪtərəlnəs/ noun [noncount]
