Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a literal manner; word for word: Used to indicate that something is to be understood in its most basic or exact sense, without metaphor or exaggeration.
   • (As an intensifier) Used for emphasis while acknowledging exaggeration: Used informally to add force to a statement that is not literally true, often creating a hyperbole.

Usage

• In a literal sense: Use "literally" to stress that you are describing something in a factual, accurate way.
  • Example: The story was translated literally from the French text.
• As an intensifier for emphasis: In informal contexts, use "literally" to add strong emphasis to a figurative statement, even though it is not factually true.
  • Example: I was literally dying of laughter during the show.

Examples

• Literal Usage:
  • He took her words literally and was very offended.
  • The phrase "break a leg" should not be taken literally.
• Intensifier Usage (Informal):
  • My head literally exploded when I heard the news.
  • I literally ran a hundred errands today.

Advanced Usage

• "To mean something literally": To intend words to be understood in their exact sense.
  • When I said I needed space, I meant it literally—please move your chair.
• Contrast with "figuratively": "Literally" is often contrasted with "figuratively," which means in a metaphorical or non-literal sense.
  • He wasn't speaking figuratively; he meant it literally.

Variants and Related Words

• Literal (adjective): Taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory.
  • Example: The literal meaning of "blue" is a color.
• Literalism (noun): The interpretation of words in their literal sense.
• Literalize (verb): To interpret or represent literally.

Synonyms

• Verbatim: In exactly the same words as were used originally.
• Exactly: In a manner that is accurate in all details.
• Actually: As the truth or facts of a situation; really. (Note: This is a close synonym for the literal sense, but not for the informal intensifier use.)

Notes on Usage

• The informal use of "literally" as an intensifier for figurative statements is common in speech and informal writing but is often criticized in formal contexts. In formal writing, it is best to use "literally" only in its original, literal sense.
• The word can sometimes cause confusion or humor because of its two opposing uses (to mean "exactly true" and to mean "not true but emphatic").

Adverb

1. (intensifier before a figurative expression) without exaggeration
   • our eyes were literally pinned to TV during the Gulf War
2. in a literal sense
   • literally translated
   • he said so literally