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

He literally towered over everyone else at the ceremony in Kuala Lumpur where Cambodia and Thailand signed their agreement.

Read more on BBC

It has also, quite literally, undermined the city’s foundation, prompting an unprecedented urban relocation project.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"It shows how collaboration across the world, and across disciplines, can literally change the way we see the cosmos."

Read more on Science Daily

Here, the Juan de Fuca and Explorer plates are slowly sliding beneath the North American plate, and new data show the system is literally tearing itself apart.

Read more on Science Daily

If there were any doubt left, the painful images of the White House literally being torn down have made it crystal clear: The president is not the least concerned about the pretense of propriety.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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