Background for literal

literal

/ˈlɪt(ə)ɹəl/

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noun

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

Examples :

"The "e" in "elephant" was a literal in my report card, a simple typo the teacher corrected. "

language writing

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noun

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

Examples :

"``` In the code, the number `5` is a literal, directly representing the quantity without being assigned to a variable. ``` "

computing technology technical

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noun

A propositional variable or the negation of a propositional variable. Wp

Examples :

""A literal in this logic problem is either 'John is happy' or 'John is not happy'." "

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adjective

Exactly as stated; read or understood without additional interpretation; according to the letter or verbal expression; real; not figurative or metaphorical.

Examples :

"The literal translation is “hands full of bananas” but it means empty-handed."

language communication linguistics writing statement

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adjective

Following the letter or exact words; not free; not taking liberties.

Examples :

"A literal reading of the law would prohibit it, but that is clearly not the intent."

language linguistics

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adjective

Consisting of, or expressed by, letters.

Examples :

"a literal equation"

language writing

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adjective

(of a person) Giving a strict or literal construction; unimaginative; matter-of-fact.

Examples :

"My brother is a very literal person; he took the teacher's instructions about the project very literally and didn't see any room for creativity. "

character person mind attitude

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adjective

Used non-literally as an intensifier; see literally for usage notes.

Examples :

"Telemarketers are the literal worst."

language linguistics word