literally

[lit-er-uh-lee]

adverb

1. in the literal or strict sense.

   She failed to grasp the metaphor and interpreted the poem literally.

   What does the word mean literally?

2. in a literal manner; word for word.

   to translate literally.

3. actually; without exaggeration or inaccuracy.

   The city was literally destroyed.

4. in effect; in substance; very nearly; virtually.

   I literally died when she walked out on stage in that costume.

literally

/ ˈlɪtərəlɪ /

adverb

1. in a literal manner

2. (intensifier)

   there were literally thousands of people

Usage

Since the early 19th century, literally has been widely used as an intensifier meaning “in effect, virtually,” a sense that contradicts the earlier meaning “actually, without exaggeration”: The senator was literally buried alive in the Iowa primaries. The parties were literally trading horses in an effort to reach a compromise. The use is often criticized; nevertheless, it appears in all but the most carefully edited writing. Although this use of literally irritates some, it probably neither distorts nor enhances the intended meaning of the sentences in which it occurs. The same might often be said of the use of literally in its earlier sense “actually”: The garrison was literally wiped out: no one survived.

The use of literally as an intensifier is common, esp in informal contexts. In some cases, it provides emphasis without adding to the meaning: the house was literally only five minutes walk away. Often, however, its use results in absurdity: the news was literally an eye-opener to me. It is therefore best avoided in formal contexts

Word History and Origins

Origin of literally¹

First recorded in 1525–35; literal + -ly

Example Sentences

As anyone who has spent time in a hair salon knows, the human comedy is on full display as relative strangers literally and figuratively let their hair down.

From Los Angeles Times

The former editor of Kerrang! magazine, Mr Alexander said when Osbourne was at his lowest ebb, music had a restorative power, adding: "You literally see it in front of your very eyes."

From BBC

"Then literally the windows just blew in around us."

From BBC

Now he’s literally in the middle of everything the Bruins are doing after accepting Cronin’s pitch to come play under the basket.

From Los Angeles Times

When we talk about a computer dying, with "wetware" that is literally the case.

From BBC

Related Words

• actually 
• completely 
• directly 
• plainly www.thesaurus.com
• precisely 
• really 
• simply 
• truly