easy
The literal meaning of “cold” is low in temperature.
What does Literal mean?
Literal means using words in their exact usual meaning.
Dictionary definition
Using the exact usual meaning of words, not a figurative or imaginative meaning.
Example sentences
Literal in a sentence
medium
A literal reading of the sentence does not include hidden meaning.
hard
Readers compare literal and figurative language to understand an author’s message.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice literal in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Practice the meaning of Literal
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does literal mean?
The correct answer matches the meaning of literal.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to literal?
Exact is close in meaning to literal.
Practice 3
Which word is an opposite or strong contrast for literal?
Figurative contrasts with literal.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Literal
Voice settings
Sounds like
lit · er · uhl · strongest beat: lit
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordLiteral.
Partadjective.
MeaningLiteral means using words in their exact usual meaning.
ExampleExample: The literal meaning of “cold” is low in temperature.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- lit · er · uhl
- Strongest beat
- lit
- Ending
- uhl
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on lit.
Your turn
Say Literal
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced literal.
Synonyms
Words like Literal
Antonyms
Opposite words
figurativeusing words beyond their exact meaning
symbolicstanding for a larger idea
Synonym practice
Want to practice literal synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The literal meaning of the word was written first," then compare close word choices. Practice literal synonyms.
Word family
Literal word family
Base word
literal
adjective
literal
Base form.
adverb
literally
In a literal way.
noun
literalness
The quality of being literal.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Literal
Hint for students
Literal means using words in their exact usual meaning.
Common mix-up
Literal is not the same as figurative. Literal means literal means using words in their exact usual meaning.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: A literal reading of the sentence does not include hidden meaning. Clue words: meaning, reading, sentence. Underline clue words that show why literal fits instead of figurative. Now write one new sentence that shows literal without using the word literal. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show literal?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "A literal reading of the sentence does not include hidden meaning." Why does literal fit better than figurative?
Learning activities
Practice Literal and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice LITERAL” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice LITERAL
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with LITERAL
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
Choose the meaning that fits and get instant feedback.
Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice LITERAL
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes LITERAL.
Practice LITERAL
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words