Litteral vs. Literal: Which is the Correct Spelling?

• "Litteral" is an incorrect spelling of the word "literal."
• "Literal" means taking words in their primary sense, without metaphor or allegory, and is often used to describe something that is factual and exact.

What does "literal" mean?

"Literal" signifies the strict and unwavering interpretation of a word or phrase, devoid of any figurative or metaphorical embellishment. It represents a commitment to the exact, dictionary definition, excluding any implied meanings or subjective understanding.

Key Characteristics:

• Factuality Above All: "Literal" interpretations prioritize objective truth and accuracy. They eschew any flourishes, exaggerations, or subjective interpretations that deviate from the established meaning. Think of interpreting "red" literally as the color on the spectrum, not metaphorically as anger or passion.
• Denotation Over Connotation: "Literal" interpretations hinge on the denotation, the core dictionary definition, rather than the connotation, which are associated meanings or emotions. This distinction is crucial in avoiding misunderstandings.

Real-World Examples:

• A judge reminding jurors to interpret witness testimonies "literally," focusing on the factual details rather than personal biases.
• A software manual using "literally" to describe the exact functionality of each button or menu option, ensuring user clarity.
• A literary critic differentiating between the "literal" meaning of a character's actions and their deeper symbolic significance.

The use of "litteral" and "literal" over time

The Ngram graph below shows how often "litteral" and "literal" have been used from the 1800s to the 2000s. "Literal" has dipped from the 1920s-1920s before increasing in use again, while its misspelling "litteral" has always seen nearly zero use.

How to pronounce "literal"

In British English, "literal" is pronounced like "li·tuh·ruhl".

In American English, "literal" is pronounced like "li·tr·uhl".

Why would we misspell "literal" as "litteral"?

• Phonetic Error: The phonetic pronunciation of "literal" might lead someone to spell it as "litteral" since the sounds are similar, and English spelling can sometimes be inconsistent.
• Visual Similarity: The visual similarity between "literal" and "litteral" may cause confusion, especially when someone relies on the appearance of the word rather than its correct spelling.

Other common misspellings of "literal"

1. Litaral
2. Litteral
3. Littoral
4. Litteral
5. Literral

Example sentences of the misspelling of "literal" as "litteral"

1. Using "litteral" instead of "literal" is a common mistake in written communication.
2. "Litteral" is not the correct spelling; it should be spelled as "literal."
3. The word "litteral" is often mistakenly used instead of the accurate term, "literal."
4. One must be cautious not to fall into the trap of spelling "literal" as "litteral."
5. Spell-check will typically highlight "litteral" as an incorrect spelling of the word "literal."

Example sentences of "literal"

1. The manual provided a literal step-by-step guide to assembling the furniture.
2. Her promise to be there at 9:00 was meant in a literal sense; she arrived exactly at that time.
3. In programming, a literal value is a fixed value that appears directly in the source code.
4. The map was not a metaphorical representation; it was a literal depiction of geographical features.
5. The professor expected a b interpretation of the historical document, not a speculative one.
6. When she asked for a glass of water, it was a literal request, not a figurative one.
7. The artist recreated the scene in a literal painting, capturing every detail with precision.
8. The contract specified the literal obligations of each party involved in the business deal.
9. The comedian's jokes often had a literal punchline, based on straightforward and direct humor.
10. The poet's words were open to literal interpretation, leaving little room for ambiguity.

Synonyms for "literal"

1. Exact
2. Precise
3. Accurate
4. Factual
5. Verbatim

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References:

Definition of LITERAL

according with the letter of the scriptures; adhering to fact or to the ordinary construction or primary meaning of a term or expression : actual; free from exaggeration or embellishment… See the full definition

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