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

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

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of literally¹

First recorded in 1525–35; literal + -ly

Example Sentences

“It’s something that’s been literally stamped out over the course of the Western gender binary that emerged from the Victorian era.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I literally have enough time as I’m falling to be like, ‘I’m going to die,’” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Studies show that donating to religious or charitable causes literally feels good, because such actions trigger the release of dopamine, endorphins and other “happiness chemicals” in the brain.

From Salon

"Our life literally revolved around the toilet for three years."

From BBC

“We’re forcing students to literally decelerate their progress to degrees, by telling them to do something they can’t actually do,” Shaver said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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