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littéral

literal

adjective lee-teh-RAL Rare

Usage Note

Littéral describes a meaning taken word for word, without metaphor or interpretation. The adverb littéralement ('literally') is widely used in French, often for emphasis. The feminine form is littérale; the plural masculine is littéraux.

Examples

"Le sens littéral du mot est différent."

Natural Translation

The literal meaning of the word is different.

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