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literally

Literally (adverb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adverb

IPA:

/ˈlɪt(ə)rəli/

What does literally mean?

True or accurate in a strict, factual sense, without exaggeration, metaphor, or figurative language.
"She was literally shaking with excitement."

Detailed Meaning of Literally

When employed in this manner, it underscores the precision and accuracy of a statement, emphasizing that the words should be taken at face value. For example, if someone says, "I literally ran a marathon," they mean that they physically completed the entire 26.2-mile race. However, "literally" has also been used more informally to emphasize the intensity or figurative truth of a statement, even when it is not strictly accurate. This more recent usage, often referred to as "intensifier" or "hyperbolic," has generated some debate and occasional confusion, as it can lead to expressions like "I'm literally dying of laughter" to convey a strong emotional reaction. In this sense, "literally" has evolved to emphasize the extremeness or vividness of an experience, even when not used in its original, strict sense.

Example Sentences for Literally

1. He literally ran a full marathon, covering 26.
2. 2 miles in under four hours, breaking records.
3. The cupcake was so tiny that it could literally fit in the palm of my hand, like a miniature dessert.
4. She literally jumped for joy when she received the news of her dream job offer, ecstatic beyond words.
5. The mountain was so tall that it literally seemed to touch the sky, its peak hidden in the clouds.
6. The actor's dedication was so remarkable that he literally transformed into his character on stage, embodying every nuance.

Origin and Etymology of Literally

The adverb 'literally' has a fascinating etymology that reflects its use to signify strict, factual accuracy. It comes from the Latin word 'litera,' which means 'letter' or 'character.' Originally, 'literally' was used in English to emphasize that something should be interpreted in the exact sense of the letters or characters used in writing. Over time, it evolved to represent a word or phrase that is true or accurate in a strict, factual sense, without exaggeration, metaphor, or figurative language. The word's etymology highlights the precision and specificity that it conveys, indicating a commitment to the literal and exact meaning of words or phrases rather than their figurative or symbolic interpretations.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adverb literally:

figuratively

factually

symbolically

metaphorically

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

More Usage Examples of Literally

1. The instructions were so clear that I literally followed them to the letter, not deviating even slightly.
2. The rain literally poured down in buckets during the storm, flooding the streets within minutes.
3. The car was so fast that it literally felt like it could fly down the racetrack, leaving competitors in awe.
4. Her smile was so bright that it literally lit up the entire room, radiating warmth and happiness.
5. I was so tired that I literally couldn't keep my eyes open, nodding off involuntarily.
6. The restaurant was so crowded that I could literally hardly move, squeezed among diners.
7. The book was so captivating that I literally couldn't put it down, reading through the night.
8. The dessert was so delicious that it literally melted in my mouth, a sublime culinary experience.
9. The puzzle was so challenging that it literally drove me crazy, testing my patience to the limit.
10. The sunset painted the sky with colors that were literally breathtaking, a masterpiece of nature.
11. The speaker's words were so inspiring that they literally moved the audience to tears, a profound impact.
12. The temperature dropped so low that it literally froze the water in the pipes, causing them to burst.
13. The idea was so groundbreaking that it literally changed the world, revolutionizing industries.
14. The tree was so massive that it literally blocked out the sun, casting a wide shadow.
15. The earthquake was so powerful that it literally shook the entire city, causing widespread damage.
16. The singer's voice was so beautiful that it literally gave me goosebumps, an enchanting performance.
17. The explosion was so loud that it literally deafened my ears, leaving a ringing sensation.
18. The canyon was so deep that it literally seemed bottomless, a vast chasm in the earth.
19. The news was so shocking that it literally left me speechless, unable to find words.
20. The chemistry between them was so strong that it literally sizzled, palpable to everyone around.
21. The excitement in the room was so palpable that you could literally feel it, electric and infectious.
22. The path was so narrow that it literally only allowed one person to pass at a time, a tight squeeze.
23. The storm was so intense that it literally blew the roof off the house, causing extensive damage.
24. The race was so close that it literally came down to the last second, a nail-biting finish.
25. The actor's portrayal was so convincing that it literally brought the character to life, a masterful performance.