having or denoting the factual, ordinary, or primary meaning of a word or expression, as opposed to a figurative one
keeping strictly to the basic and straightforward meaning of a written text, e.g. that of the Bible
reproduced word for word; exact or verbatim
a literal translation
relating to or expressed in letters
characterized by a lack of imagination; prosaic
He took a very literal approach to the subject
literality /litəʹraliti/ noun
literalness noun
[Middle English via French and late Latin from Latin litteralis of a letter, from littera: see letter1]