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Meaning of literally
The primary meaning of "literally" is to emphasize that something is happening or is true in a real and actual way, rather than metaphorically or figuratively.
Etymology of literally
The word "literally" comes from the Latin "litteraliter" or "litteralis," which means "of or pertaining to letters" or "literal"
Historically, "literally" was used to translate Latin texts and emphasize the literal meaning of the words, as opposed to their figurative or interpretive meaning
Over time, the word has evolved to become a common intensifier in English language, often used to add emphasis to statements and clarify their intended meaning
Synonyms
Definitions
- Used to emphasize the truth and accuracy of a statement, often to counter a potential assumption that it might be an exaggeration or metaphor
- Used to indicate that something is happening or is true in a real and actual way, rather than in a figurative or metaphorical sense
- In a manner that is accurate, exact, and faithful to the original or facts
Usage Examples
- The new policy will literally change the way we work, so we need to be prepared for the transition.
- I am literally exhausted after working for 12 hours straight, I need a break.
- The city was literally shut down due to the severe weather conditions, and all public transportation was halted.