literally
Literally (adv) means In a literal, exact sense; word for word, without exaggeration. Example: “The translator rendered the poem literally, word for word.”
How to use literally
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExactly as stated — though in casual speech it's often used just to add emphasis, even to statements that clearly aren't literal.
Using "literally" for statements that are obviously exaggerated ("I literally died") is extremely common in speech but frowned on in formal writing, since it undercuts the word's original precise meaning.
The emphatic, non-literal use of "literally" is informal; avoid it in careful writing.
Word forms
more literally comparative, most literally superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The translator rendered the poem _____, word for word.
Related words
Rhymes for literally
See all rhymes for literally →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.
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