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.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Used to express strong exaggeration.
I literally can't even!
An intensifier for statements.
That was literally the best concert ever!