51Թ

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View synonyms for

literally

[lit-er-uh-lee]

adverb

  1. in the literal or strict sense.

    She failed to grasp the metaphor and interpreted the poem literally.

    What does the word mean literally?

  2. in a literal manner; word for word.

    to translate literally.

  3. actually; without exaggeration or inaccuracy.

    The city was literally destroyed.

  4. in effect; in substance; very nearly; virtually.

    I literally died when she walked out on stage in that costume.



literally

/ ˈɪəəɪ /

adverb

  1. in a literal manner

  2. (intensifier)

    there were literally thousands of people

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Usage

Since the early 19th century, literally has been widely used as an intensifier meaning “in effect, virtually,” a sense that contradicts the earlier meaning “actually, without exaggeration”: The senator was literally buried alive in the Iowa primaries. The parties were literally trading horses in an effort to reach a compromise. The use is often criticized; nevertheless, it appears in all but the most carefully edited writing. Although this use of literally irritates some, it probably neither distorts nor enhances the intended meaning of the sentences in which it occurs. The same might often be said of the use of literally in its earlier sense “actually”: The garrison was literally wiped out: no one survived.
The use of literally as an intensifier is common, esp in informal contexts. In some cases, it provides emphasis without adding to the meaning: the house was literally only five minutes walk away. Often, however, its use results in absurdity: the news was literally an eye-opener to me. It is therefore best avoided in formal contexts
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of literally1

First recorded in 1525–35; literal + -ly
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“I literally was born in the right generation. But when it comes to constantly looking at images of myself, that’s my business card or my portfolio — it’s not actually me, the human being.”

From

You literally have to come in with gloves and your headphones because it’s such an intense experience, but it’s so cheap and I have found gems from that Goodwill.

From

Another parent, Theresa Holt, said: "It's silly. It takes literally seconds and it gives that child that little bit of happiness. He's great with my little boy and he sees him as a friendly face."

From

"I looked on my phone this morning, and literally there are hundreds of messages of people reacting to it, and every single person was just telling me to disregard it," she said.

From

"You could literally have them round the clock operating."

From

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