to the letter

Without any deviation

To the letter means exactly as written or specified, following every detail precisely: She followed the instructions to the letter.

The phrase emphasizes strict adherence without deviation or personal interpretation.

Someone who obeys to the letter complies with the literal text rather than its spirit or intent.

exactness

precision

Accuracy of measurement

faithfulness · correctness · strictness · rigor · scrupulousness · punctiliousness · adherence · conformity · compliance · veracity

compliance

adherence

Faithful following of something

following · fulfillment · execution · implementation · discipline · orthodoxy · formality · regimentation · by-the-book · rule-following

meticulous

painstaking

Extremely careful and thorough

thorough · careful · diligent · methodical · systematic · attentive · exacting · perfectionist · precise · rigorous

verbatim

word-for-word

Exactly as stated

replica · copy · reproduction · duplication · transliteration · correspondence · mirror · facsimile · exact copy · direct quote

Categories
Opposites
precision of adherence

to the letterapproximately

Close but not exact

roughly · loosely · more or less · carelessly · inexactly

interpretation style

to the letterin spirit

Present emotionally, not physically

in principle · in essence · interpretively · liberally · freely

Family

letter, letters, literal, lettered, literate, literacy, lettering, literally, illiterate

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G