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.

Used to express strong exaggeration.

I literally can't even!

An intensifier for statements.

That was literally the best concert ever!