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

No job is lined up but she's in talks with different companies in a sector she describes as "so logical - it's literally a bit of me".

Read more on BBC

In response to questions from the Conservative leader, the prime minister said that it's "literally 25 minutes" until the measures will be unveiled.

Read more on BBC

“I was literally, actively sitting at the table, like, ‘OK, when are we putting pies out?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They camped out in various bureaucracies, literally sleeping in the office and having food delivered.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“It was literally like he was on his own reality show,” says Barantini.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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