/'lɪtərəl; `lɪtərəl/
adj
1 [esp attrib 尤作定语]
(a) corresponding exactly to the original 完全按照原文的
*a literal transcript of a speech 讲话的全文抄本
* a literal (ie word-for-word) translation 直译（逐字翻译）. Cf 参看 free1 11.
(b) concerned with the basic or usual meaning of a word or phrase 照字面本义的
*His story is incredible in the literal sense of the word, ie It is impossible to believe him, so he must be lying. 他说的情况令人难以置信, 是真的难以相信（他说的一定是谎话）. Cf 参看 figurative, metaphorical (metaphor).
2 (esp derog 尤作贬义) unimaginative; prosaic 无想像力的; 刻板的; 平淡无奇的
*His interpretation of the music was rather too literal. 那音乐他演奏得未免太乏味了.
* Don't be so literal-minded you know what I meant! 别那么死心眼嘛--你知道我是什么意思!

n (also literal error) misprint 印刷错误.

adj
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: French;Origin:Medieval Latin literalis, from Latin littera; LETTER¹]
the literal meaning of a word or expression is its basic or original meaning
→figurative
literal meaning/sense/interpretation etc
　A trade war is not a war in the literal sense.
literal translation
a translation that translates each word exactly instead of giving the general meaning in a more natural way
≠ free
literal-minded
not showing much imagination
>literalnessn[U]