what does literal equation mean Solution 1. According to the letter or verbal expression; real; not figurative or metaphorical; as, the literal meaning of a phrase. [1913 Webster] It hath but one simple literal sense whose light the owls can not abide. --Tyndale. [1913 Webster] 2. Following the letter or exact words; not free. [1913 Webster] A middle course between the rigor of literal translations and the liberty of paraphrasts. --Hooker. [1913 Webster] 3. Consisting of, or expressed by, letters. [1913 Webster] The literal notation of numbers was known to Europeans before the ciphers. --Johnson. [1913 Webster] 4. Giving a strict or literal construction; unimaginative; matter-of-fact; -- applied to persons. [1913 Webster] Literal contract (Law), a contract of which the whole evidence is given in writing. --Bouvier. .