Literal interpretation refers to understanding words and phrases in their most basic, straightforward meaning, without considering any underlying or symbolic significance. This approach is often used in reading texts, such as legal documents or religious scriptures, where clarity and precision are essential. For example, interpreting the phrase "the sky is blue" literally means recognizing that the sky appears blue during the day. In contrast to figurative interpretation, which looks for deeper meanings or metaphors, literal interpretation focuses solely on the explicit content. This method is commonly applied in various fields, including law, literature, and communication, to ensure that messages are conveyed and understood as intended.