Word
literally
Phoneticslit·er·al·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫɪtɝəɫi/
UK/lˈɪtəɹəli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01exactly as stated
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. using the real or original meaning of a word, with no exaggeration.
adv. in a literal manner or sense; exactly as described without metaphor or exaggeration.
日本語:文字通り※
“The word 'idiom' literally means 'a private language' in its original Greek form.”
“The translation was so precise that it followed the original text literally, preserving even the most obscure grammatical structures.”
Usage
Typically modifies a verb or an entire clause to confirm factual accuracy.
Teaching tip
This is the 'correct' or traditional use that students should use in formal writing.
Antonyms
02for emphasis
C1 · Advanced Informal
adv. used to emphasize a strong feeling or a surprising statement, even if it is not 100% true.
adv. used as an intensifier for emphasis, often in contexts where the statement is actually metaphorical rather than literal.
“I was literally dying of laughter when he told that joke.”
“She was literally glowing with pride after receiving the award, though obviously not in a biological sense.”
Usage
Acts as a hyperbolic intensifier; common in spoken English but often criticized in formal contexts.
Pitfall
In my formal essay, I wrote that the economy literally exploded.
In my formal essay, I wrote that the economy grew at an unprecedented rate.
Avoid using 'literally' as an intensifier in academic or formal writing, as it is often considered incorrect or informal.
Teaching tip
Warn students that many native speakers find this usage annoying or 'incorrect' despite its extreme popularity in casual speech.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “literally” in context.
Verb
01. literally interpret the law
“The judge chose to literally interpret the law rather than considering the spirit of the act.”
adv + verb + noun
02. literally mean the opposite
“In some contexts, the word can literally mean the opposite of its original definition.”
adv + verb + noun
03. literally take the words
“You shouldn't literally take the words of a poem; they are often metaphorical.”
adv + verb + noun
04. literally translate the phrase
“If you literally translate the phrase from French, it doesn't make much sense in English.”
adv + verb + noun
Adjective
05. literally impossible task
“Finishing the entire project in just two hours was a literally impossible task.”
adv + adj + noun
06. literally starving for food
“After the long hike, the campers were literally starving for food.”
adv + adj + prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“There have been times that I have literally collapsed on my way home from work because I am in agony," Lewis, from Broadstairs, said.” “Stress may literally scramble the brain’s internal GPS.” Etymology
From Middle English litteraly. See literal and letter. By surface analysis, literal + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/literally
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0