literally

adverb

lit·​er·​al·​ly ˈli-tə-rə-lē How to pronounce literally (audio)
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 injusticeNorman 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 To illustrate this retelling of the Frankenstein tale, production designers Shona Heath and James Price literally Frankensteined different architectural elements to create singular urban and domestic environments. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 Tucked into the heart of Austin’s SXSW excitement, take a load off (literally), at ~Pourri’s 5-star VIP bathroom experience. Matt Tighe, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024 Wild Atlantic Music Tours is a travel company that provides the uncommon experience of exploring Ireland with star musicians leading the way, quite literally on the same bus with tourists. Lori Nickel, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 The man literally spent six years learning how to conduct an orchestra for six minutes of screen time. Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 No, literally–the Route 66 landmark is home to the world’s largest soda bottle, a 4-ton, 66-foot-tall sculpture (yes, the height was intentional) that comes complete with a giant straw and thousands of multicolor LED lights that put on a sparkling nightly show. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 Instead, the peach-fuzzed candidate for class president quietly inspires his even weirder buddy to take center stage — literally, with a kick-ass dance routine. Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 For the island, it’s been a long journey up from — quite literally — the bottom. Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 Gaza war protests at the Berlinale this year were especially controversial as Germany continues to deal with the Second World War Holocaust as a reminder of the horrific atrocities of the country’s Nazi past, which literally was led from Berlin. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'literally.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see literal entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of literally was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near literally

Cite this Entry

“Literally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literally. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

literally

adverb
lit·​er·​al·​ly ˈlit-ər-(ə-)lē How to pronounce literally (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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