Literally Definition & Meaning

American

British

Usage

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms literally American [lit-er-uh-lee] / ˈlɪt ər ə li /

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 British / ˈlɪtərəlɪ /

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

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

Etymology

Origin of literally

First recorded in 1525–35; literal + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Maybe that’s why “with sympathy” is limited to deaths and personal losses, things no one wants to share literally.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I literally cannot wait to get home on a night and turn all my Christmas lights on and lie on the sofa," she says.

From BBC

Not literally — unless you, too, are vulnerable to the siren song of pressed bread — but by staying open to a new-to-you tool that might gently reroute how you cook, even in a small way.

From Salon

Wearing these clothes and shoes could make you feel better—literally.

From The Wall Street Journal

Once again, Bill Plaschke has literally jinxed another Southern California sports team with his proclamation questions regarding the Rams:

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• actually
• completely
• directly
• plainly
• precisely
• really
• simply
• truly

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.