literally
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
using the real or original meaning of a word, with no exaggeration.
in a literal manner or sense; exactly as described without metaphor or exaggeration.
Simple“The word 'idiom' literally means 'a private language' in its original Greek form.”
In context“The translation was so precise that it followed the original text literally, preserving even the most obscure grammatical structures.”
UsageTypically modifies a verb or an entire clause to confirm factual accuracy.
Teacher's tipThis is the 'correct' or traditional use that students should use in formal writing.
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
used to emphasize a strong feeling or a surprising statement, even if it is not 100% true.
used as an intensifier for emphasis, often in contexts where the statement is actually metaphorical rather than literal.
Simple“I was literally dying of laughter when he told that joke.”
In context“She was literally glowing with pride after receiving the award, though obviously not in a biological sense.”
UsageActs as a hyperbolic intensifier; common in spoken English but often criticized in formal contexts.
Teacher's tipWarn students that many native speakers find this usage annoying or 'incorrect' despite its extreme popularity in casual speech.
PitfallIn 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.
“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.”
From Middle English litteraly. See literal and letter. By surface analysis, literal + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.