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