
Literal Interpretation
Literal interpretation means understanding words exactly as they are written, without looking for hidden meanings or assumptions. For example, if someone says "It's raining cats and dogs," a literal interpretation would think animals are falling from the sky, which is not true. Instead, this phrase is a metaphor for heavy rain. Literal interpretation relies on the actual meaning of words and phrases, focusing on their direct, dictionary-based sense, rather than considering figurative or symbolic meanings. It’s often used in legal, technical, or precise contexts to ensure clarity and accuracy.