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 Note

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.

Usage

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

"They are literally allied with the North Koreans fighting now, and the Iranians are supplying them," a government source said.

From BBC

But whether Martial meant this literally or was using a little creative license of his own is up for readers to debate.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s also the occasional appearance from the depths of a friendly whale, now literally swimming among treetops.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Hancock also defended the government’s 'Stay Home, Save Lives, Protect the NHS' messaging, saying that it was “literally true” that “if we didn’t stop the spread of the virus, the NHS would be overwhelmed”.

From BBC

Ahrné and a team of research colleagues from both Denmark and other countries have developed a way to 'disguise' fibers, by making them -- quite literally -- more palatable.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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