literally

adverb

lit·​er·​al·​ly ˈli-tə-rə-lē 

ˈli-trə-lē,

ˈli-tər-lē

1

: 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

b

—used to emphasize the truth and accuracy of a statement or description

The party was attended by literally hundreds of people.

c

: with exact equivalence : with the meaning of each individual word given exactly

The term "Mardi Gras" literally means "Fat Tuesday" in French.

d

: in a completely accurate way

a story that is basically true even if not literally true

2

: in effect : virtually

—used in an exaggerated way to emphasize a statement or description that is not literally true or possible

will literally turn the world upside down to combat cruelty or injustice

—Norman Cousins

Should literally be used for emphasis?: Usage Guide

Sense 2 is common and not at all new but has been frequently criticized as an illogical misuse. It is pure hyperbole intended to gain emphasis, but it often appears in contexts where no additional emphasis is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can literally mean figuratively?

One of the definitions of literally that we provide is "in effect; virtually—used in an exaggerated way to emphasize a statement or description that is not literally true or possible." Some find this objectionable on the grounds that it is not the primary meaning of the word, which we define as "in a way that uses the ordinary or primary meaning of a term or expression." However, this extended definition of literally is commonly used, and its meaning is not quite identical to that of figuratively ("with a meaning that is metaphorical rather than literal").

Is the extended use of literally new?

The "in effect; virtually" meaning of literally is not new. It has been in regular use since the 18th century and may be found in the writings of some of the most highly regarded writers of the 19th and early 20th centuries, including Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Charlotte Brontë, and James Joyce.

Is the extended use of literally slang?

The disfavored use of literally to mean "in effect; virtually" does not qualify as slang, which is markedly informal and used especially by a particular group of people and often not well understood by those outside that group.

Examples of literally in a Sentence

… make the whole scene literally glow with the fires of his imagination. —Alfred Kazin, Harper's, December 1968

Even Muff did not miss our periods of companionship, because about that time she grew up and started having literally millions of kittens. —Jean Stafford, Bad Characters, 1954

Lily, the caretaker's daughter, was literally run off her feet. Hardly had she brought one gentleman into the little pantry … than the wheezy hall-door bell clanged again and she had to scamper along the bare hallway to let in another guest. —James Joyce, Dubliners, 1914

… yet the wretch, absorbed in his victuals, and naturally of an unutterable dullness, did not make a single remark during dinner, whereas I literally blazed with wit. —William Makepeace Thackeray, Punch, 30 Oct. 1847

Many words can be used both literally and figuratively.

He took her comments literally.

He's a sailor who knows his ropes, literally and figuratively.

The term “Mardi Gras” literally means “Fat Tuesday” in French.

The story he told was basically true, even if it wasn't literally true.

Recent Examples on the Web

The 12 tracks on Water’s Here in You are stuffed with references to land and light that can be taken both literally and metaphorically, and everything is tinted blue — the album could serve as an audio accompaniment to Maggie Nelson’s book Bluets. —Leah Lu, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2024

For so many people, stand-up is literally the recipe for a nightmare. —Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Apr. 2024

Megan Fox is in her blue period — literally and figuratively. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 25 Apr. 2024

Construction and deforestation in the area has literally paved the way for its humidity- and heat-loving brethren to move in. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2024

Crystal disrupts their decades-old dynamic while also dealing with problems of her own — namely, her ex-boyfriend David (David Iacono), a demon who’s quite literally still in her head. —Alison Herman, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024

Writing is a blood-and-guts business, literally as well as figuratively. —Rachel Khong, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2024

The sheer size of Buc-ee’s, both literally and by the force of its hype, seems to have created a gravitational pull, steering cars off the interstate and into its embrace. —Drew Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2024

The experiments literally shine a new light on the proton. —Charlie Wood, WIRED, 14 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see literal entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Video

Literally

A word that (literally) drives people nuts

Kids Definition

literally

adverb

lit·​er·​al·​ly ˈlit-ər-(ə-)lē 

ˈli-trə-lē

1

: in a literal sense or manner : actually

the flying machine literally never got off the ground

2

: practically sense 2, virtually

literally poured out new ideas