literally
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for literally, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — In a literal, exact sense; word for word, without exaggeration.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Frequently asked questions
What does “literally” mean?
The word “literally” means in a literal, exact sense; word for word, without exaggeration. In plain terms, exactly as stated — though in casual speech it's often used just to add emphasis, even to statements that clearly aren't literal.
How do you pronounce “literally”?
“Literally” is pronounced LIH-tuh-ruh-lee (/ˈlɪ.tə.ɹə.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “literally” in a sentence?
Here is “literally” used in a sentence: “The translator rendered the poem literally, word for word.”
What part of speech is “literally”?
“Literally” is an adverb.
Is “literally” a common word?
“Literally” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “literally” have?
“Literally” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a literal, exact sense; word for word, without exaggeration.
What is the difference between literally and figuratively?
Literally means something is exactly true, word for word, with no exaggeration — 'the pool is literally freezing' should mean the water is at freezing point. Figuratively means the words are a metaphor, not the plain truth — 'I'm figuratively dying of boredom'. In short, literally is real; figuratively is a figure of speech.
Is it correct to use 'literally' for emphasis?
In careful writing, no — saying you 'literally exploded with laughter' when you did not is seen as loose usage. In casual speech, this intensifying use is extremely common and widely understood to mean 'really' or 'absolutely'. It is best kept out of formal contexts, where 'literally' should mean strictly true.
What is an example of 'literally' used correctly?
'The word quarantine literally means a period of forty days' uses it well, because that is its exact origin. Likewise, 'he literally ran ten miles' is correct if he truly did. The test is simple: if the statement is precisely, factually true, 'literally' belongs; if it is exaggeration, it does not.