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interpreted literally

[ɪnˈtɜːrprɪtɪd ˈlɪtərəli]
verb phrase
interpretado literalmente
1. understood or explained in the most basic or strict sense of the words, without considering metaphorical or figurative meaning
If you interpret his joke literally, you'll miss the humor.
Se você interpretar a piada dele literalmente, você perderá o humor.
2. translated or conveyed word-for-word without adaptation or modification
The poem was interpreted literally, losing much of its artistic intent.
O poema foi interpretado literalmente, perdendo muito de sua intenção artística.
Synonyms
understood word-for-wordtaken at face valueconstrued strictlyinterpreted strictly
Antonyms
interpreted figurativelyinterpreted metaphoricallyread between the linesunderstood loosely

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
interpretado literalmente
standard usage throughout Brazil
São Paulo
interpretado literalmente
common in formal and informal contexts
Portugal
interpretado literalmente
standard European Portuguese usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

take something literally
word-for-word interpretation
read something at face value
don't read between the lines
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