literal
/ˈlɪt(ə)ɹəl/ adjective B2- Exactly as stated; read or understood without interpretation; according to the letter; not figurative or metaphorical; following the letter or exact words; not taking liberties; etymonic rather than idiomatic. · The literal translation of Spanish irse al otro barrio is "to go to the other neighbourhood" but it means "to die".· A literal reading of the law would prohibit it, but that is clearly not the intent.
- Actual, real, physical.
- That which generally assumes that the plainest reading of a given text is correct but which allows for metaphor where context indicates it.
- Following the historical-grammatical method of biblical interpretation.
- Consisting of, or expressed by, letters (of an alphabet); using literation. · a literal equation
- Unimaginative; matter-of-fact; literal-minded.
- Used nonliterally as an intensifier. See literally for usage notes. · Telemarketers are the literal worst.
From the library
If a fictional bear makes a joke about a honeycomb and combing his fur, a literal Spanish translation will sound completely absurd.
The translator must therefore abandon the literal meaning in favor of the comedic effect, searching the target language for a comparable, yet entirely different, joke.
It required a constant negotiation with ambiguity, a willingness to sacrifice the literal meaning to preserve the elusive melody of the original text.
A compromise was necessary, a deliberate choice to favor the emotional resonance over strict adherence to the literal dictionary definition.
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