How to Pronounce Literal

To pronounce "literal", say LIT-er-al — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈlɪt(ə)ɹəl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

literal

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈlɪt(ə)ɹəl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “literal”

"literal" has 3 syllables: lit-er-al. It rhymes with littoral and litteral, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: littoral, litteral — easy to mix up when writing.

What does literal mean?

noun

(epigraphy) A misprint (or occasionally a scribal error) that affects a letter.
A value, as opposed to an identifier, written into the source code of a computer program.

adjective

Exactly as stated; read or understood without additional interpretation; according to the letter or verbal expression; real; not figurative or metaphorical.
“The literal translation is “hands full of bananas” but it means empty-handed.”
Following the letter or exact words; not free; not taking liberties.
“A literal reading of the law would prohibit it, but that is clearly not the intent.”

Synonyms

literal constant typo

Antonyms

figurative metaphorical

Words that rhyme with literal

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

littoral litteral

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "literal"?▾

"Literal" has 3 syllables: lit · er · al.

What is the IPA transcription of "literal"?▾

The IPA transcription of "literal" is /ˈlɪt(ə)ɹəl/.

What does "literal" mean?▾

Literal: (epigraphy) A misprint (or occasionally a scribal error) that affects a letter.

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