literal

(eg. beauty, ancient, house )

literal  /ˈlɪ tə rəl/ ? Meaning of "literal"

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Definition(s):

  1. (n) a mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind
  2. (adj) being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something
  3. (adj) without interpretation or embellishment
  4. (adj) limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text
  5. (adj) avoiding embellishment or exaggeration (used for emphasis)

Synonym(s)

literal error, misprint, typo, typographical error, actual, genuine

Usage(s):

  1. Architecture is a profession in which the cube and sphere are still the literal building blocks.
  2. The metaphorical answer to this question is more important than the literal, but the literal is irresistibly short: No, unfortunately not.
  3. They finish in a literal pyramid of filth.

Quotes

  1. "They work out today. He won't work out and probably will not play tomorrow just as a precaution. This is one of these literal day-to-day [injuries]," Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash said. "We'll reconnect tomorrow, see how he is...
    on Mar 16, 2009 By: Gord Ash Source: ESPN

  2. "This is the Kennedy court in the most literal, substantive extensive way," Garrow said, adding that Kennedy continued to have a moderating effect on the other conservatives.
    on Jun 29, 2007 By: David Garrow Source: San Diego Union Tribune

  3. The Constitution's father, James Madison said: "With respect to the two words 'general welfare,' I have always regarded them as qualified by the detail of powers connected with them. To take them in a literal and unlimited sense would be a...
    on Dec 10, 2003 By: James Madison Source: WorldNetDaily

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spurious
/s ˈpjʊ ri əs /

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