The expression" Literal meaning "Refers to the meaning of a phrase that derives directly from the denotative meaning of the words used in that phrase.
Specifically, denotative meaning is defined as the right and proper meaning of terms, that which does not depend on the intention of the sender, nor on the interpretation of the receiver and much less on the communicative situation in which the sentence is enunciated.
In other words, taking the literal meaning of a sentence means that words are understood in their most basic sense, without having to resort to literary figures, such as metaphor , The antonomasia or the hyperbole.
Sometimes the literal meaning is often confused with the Figurative . This is because the figurative sense uses literary figures, which causes misunderstandings. However, it must be clear that literal meaning is not the same as literary figures.
The author Lemony Snicket (pseudonym of Daniel Handler) points out the difference between the literal meaning and the figurative meaning in his book A bad beginning , Belonging to the saga A series of unfortunate events
When you are young, it is very useful to learn the difference between"literally"and"figuratively". If something happens to you literally, it means that it really happened; But if something happens to you figuratively, it means that it feels like it's happening.
For example, if you are literally jumping from joy, it means you are jumping because you are very happy. If you are jumping from joy figuratively, it means that you are so happy that you could jump out of joy, but you would rather save your energy for other matters.
The philosopher John Searle points out that it is important to distinguish between the literal sense and the connotative sense (which depends on the intention of the sender) of a sentence.
For example, if someone says"I'm starving,"we must know that he is not about to die, but that he is starving.
Significant examples of literal meaning
1- The comedian died on stage
The literal meaning of this phrase is that which is expressed, that is, the comedian truly passed away while acting.
This sense is opposed to the figurative sense that the phrase could mean that the comedian continued to act until the last day of his life (but he did not necessarily die while on stage) or that the comedian was not able to make the Audience (but still alive).
2- They ate it alive
The literal sense of the phrase is that someone served as food for another being while still alive. This phrase can be interpreted figuratively and means that one person confronted another group of individuals who were verbally aggressive.
3- Can you wait outside?
The literal meaning of this question is whether you have the ability to wait outside. However, behind this sentence, there is a figurative meaning, which is to politely ask you to stay outside.
4- Our friend is gone
Literally, this phrase means that"our friend"left this place, possibly moved or just left the premises. On the other hand, this phrase can be used figuratively to express that our friend has passed away.
Lost his head
The literal meaning of this phrase is that one's head is not found or something. For example, if a person has been decapitated, we could say that he literally lost his head. For its part, the figurative meaning of this phrase is that someone has gone mad.
6 - stayed in the street
Literally, this phrase means that something or someone is the street. Figuratively, it could mean that, if it is a person, this is now a slut.
7- It's cold
The sentence presented is literally a report on the conditions of the environment in which we find. However, if it is a couple, the sender may be asking the recipient to give him his jacket.
8- Pissing off the laughter
Literally, this phrase means that the person is going to urinate because of laughter. In its figurative sense, the phrase means that it is laughing a lot.
9- It was painted in colors
In its literal sense, this phrase means that someone took paints or makeup and colored. In its figurative sense, it means that this person disappeared.
10- Jumping the fender
Literally, this phrase means that someone jumped a fence or a fence. But figuratively, it means that someone has changed sides.
11- Threw the towel
The literal meaning of this phrase is that someone held a cloth and dropped it. Figuratively it means that it has surrendered.
12- Stuck the leg
This phrase literally means that someone stretched his foot. However, connotatively means that someone died.
13- Sparking the eyes
Literally, this phrase means that someone has the ability to spark sparks through their eyes. Figuratively, it means that you are angry.
14- Sweating the fat drop
In its literal sense, this phrase expresses that someone has perspired excessively. In its figurative sense, it means that a difficult task has been accomplished.
15- Old fox
The phrase"old fox"literally means that it is a very old animal. Figuratively, it is used to refer to someone astute.
16- With hands in the dough
This phrase means that someone is literally kneading a mixture. Connotatively, it means that someone was found in fraganti.
17- Give a hand
"To lend a hand"means in its literal sense"to take one hand off and give it to another person." In its figurative sense, it means"to help".
18- Cat enclosed
The literal meaning of this phrase is that there is a feline trapped somewhere. Figuratively it means that there is a mystery.
19- Go and see if he put the sow
This sentence is literally an order to see if a pig put it. Connotatively, it's a request for you to leave someone alone.
20- To be born in a golden cradle
This phrase literally means that someone was born in a cradle made of this precious metal. In its figurative sense, it means that someone is rich.
References
1. Literal Meaning Definition and Examples. Retrieved on May 31, 2017, from thoughtco.com.
2. Literal. Retrieved on May 31, 2017, from vocabulary.com.
3. Literal meaning. Retrieved on May 31, 2017, from wordreference.com.
4. Literal. Retrieved on May 31, 2017, from dictionary.com.
5. What is the meaning of"literal meaning"? (With examples). Retrieved on May 31, 2017, from grammar-monster.com.
6. Figurative Vs. Literal Language. Retrieved on May 31, 2017, from thoughtco.com.
7. Literal meaning. Retrieved on May 31, 2017, from dictionary.cambridge.org.