The adverb literally was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to literal, an adjective borrowed from Late Latin litterālis “of or relating to letters or literature.” (When we say “the letter of the law,” we are referring to its literal, or most obvious, meaning that follows the actual wording of the law ...
/ˈlɪtərəli/ The adverb literally means "actually," and we use it when we want others to know we're serious, not exaggerating or being metaphorical.
adverb. adverb. /ˈlɪt̮ərəli/ 1in a literal way synonym exactly The word “planet” literally means “wandering body.” When I told you to “get lost” I didn't expect to be taken literally.
“There were 'literally' a million people there, or I 'literally' died I was so scared. When people use literally in this way, they mean it metaphorically, of course. It's a worn-out word, though, because it prevents people from thinking up a fresh metaphor for whatever it is they want to describe. ''
: in a literal sense or manner: such as. a. : in a way that uses the ordinary or primary meaning of a term or expression. He took the remark literally. a word that can be used both literally and figuratively.
The misuse occurs when people say things which aren't literally true: 'This book will literally blow your mind' (metaphor) or “If I've told you once, I've told you literally a thousand times' (hyperbole). It's self-contradictory.
Over time, though, literally has taken on a different meaning. We can now use it to exaggerate or emphasize a point. “It's so hot—I'm literally melting,” someone might say when temperatures climb. Fortunately, though they are somewhat uncomfortable, they are not really melting at all.
Figurative language is a form of expression that uses nonliteral meanings to convey a more abstract meaning or message. There are many types, including: similes, metaphors, idioms, hyperboles, and personification.
adjective. /ˈlɪtərəl/ /ˈlɪtərəl/ [usually before noun] being the most basic meaning of a word or phrase, rather than an extended or poetic meaning.
“Literally” means that the words mean precisely what they say. Yes: Many people use “literally” incorrectly. They use it to add emphasis, when that isn't the function of “literally.”
Figuratively means metaphorically, and literally describes something that actually happened. If you say that a guitar solo literally blew your head off, your head should not be attached to your body.
You use literally to emphasize that what you are saying is true, even though it seems exaggerated or surprising. Putting on an opera is a tremendous enterprise involving literally hundreds of people.
adverb. /ˈlɪtərəli/ /ˈlɪtərəli/ in a literal way synonym exactly.
Actually is an adverb that means "really."
The emphatic “literally” is not a millennial invention; it goes back to the 1700s at least, though Smith gets it right that it's English.
We define literally in two senses: 1) in a literal sense or manner : actually. 2) in effect : virtually.
According to linguistic anthropologist Robert L. Moore, “cool” as a multipurpose slang word grew prevalent in the '50s and '60s, about the time boomers were hitting high school age. Moore points out that “cool” is still today “the most popular slang term of approval in the English language.”