Literally

/ˈlɪt.ər.ə.li/

Meaning & Definition

adverb

In a literal manner; true to fact; without metaphor or exaggeration.

He literally ran five miles without stopping.

Used for emphasis or to express strong feelings while not being meant literally.

I was so hungry I could literally eat a horse.

In accordance with the explicit meaning of a word or phrase.

The instructions were literally written in plain English.

From Latin 'literalis', meaning 'pertaining to letters'.

literally speaking

In the exact sense; without exaggeration.

literally dead

Used to express someone who is extremely bored, not actually deceased.

literally on fire

Used to indicate something is exciting or going very well.

literacy

The ability to read and write.

literalism

The interpretation of words in their most basic sense.

Used to express strong exaggeration.

I literally can't even!

An intensifier for statements.

That was literally the best concert ever!