literally

American  

[lit-er-uh-lee] / ˈlɪt ər ə li /

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.

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literally British  

/ ˈlɪtərəlɪ /

adverb

1. in a literal manner

2. (intensifier)

   there were literally thousands of people

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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

Etymology

Origin of literally

First recorded in 1525–35; literal + -ly

Explanation

The adverb literally means "actually," and we use it when we want others to know we're serious, not exaggerating or being metaphorical. If your mom complains that your room is overflowing with clothes, she probably doesn't mean this literally. Your room might be messy and chaotic, but your clothes aren't actually piled so high that they're flowing into the hallway. Your mom is being figurative — she's exaggerating. Now, if your clothes really were piled up so high that they were flowing into the hallway, your mom would say, "Your room is literally overflowing with clothes!"

Example Sentences

"It's just literally impossible to predict, except that I think it will be quite slow at first," he said of output.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

But because we keep implementing them in literally the dumbest way possible, they have all the downsides and none of the upsides.

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026

When the Architectural Digest perfection of her well-heeled and emotionally confident life is shattered by tragic loss, Stacy literally does not know what to do with herself.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

A top executive at private-funds giant Apollo Global Management summed up market sentiment in February when he told investors “I literally think all the marks are wrong,” referring to valuations of private-equity backed software businesses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Dimly, Josie’s father realized this effect was only because of motion sensors; it wasn’t literally a matter of all the light in his life leaving alongside Josie.

From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

• actually
• completely
• directly
• plainly
• precisely
• really
• simply
• truly