literal literal /ˈlɪtɝəl/

adjective

1. () Being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something  ( real , genuine , actual , literal )
   being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something
    Her actual motive
   her actual motive
    A literal solitude like a desert
   a literal solitude like a desert
    A genuine dilemma
   a genuine dilemma
   
2. () Without interpretation or embellishment  ( literal )
   without interpretation or embellishment
    A literal depiction of the scene before him
   a literal depiction of the scene before him
   
3. Limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text  ( literal )
   limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text
    A literal translation
   a literal translation
   
4. Avoiding embellishment or exaggeration (used for emphasis)  ( literal )
   avoiding embellishment or exaggeration (used for emphasis)
    It's the literal truth
   it's the literal truth
   

noun

1. A mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind  ( erratum , literal , literal error , misprint , typo , typographical error )
   a mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind