Meaning & Definition of word "Literally"
Literally
/ˈlɪt.ər.ə.li/
adverb:
- 1. In a literal manner; true to fact; without metaphor or exaggeration.
- Example: He literally ran five miles without stopping.
- 2. Used for emphasis or to express strong feelings while not being meant literally.
- Example: I was so hungry I could literally eat a horse.
- 3. In accordance with the explicit meaning of a word or phrase.
- Example: 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
literacy:
The ability to read and write.
literalism:
The interpretation of words in their most basic sense.
Slang Meanings of literally
Meaning: Used to express strong exaggeration.
● Example Sentence: I literally can't even!
Meaning: An intensifier for statements.
● Example Sentence: That was literally the best concert ever!