literally

Q: 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, "with the meaning of each individual word given exactly." However, this extended definition of literally is commonly used and is not quite the same meaning as figuratively ("with a meaning that is metaphorical rather than literal").

Q: Is the extended use of 'literally' new?

The "in effect; virtually" meaning of literally is not a new sense. It has been in regular use since the 18th century and may be found in the writings of Mark Twain, Charlotte Brontë, James Joyce, and many others.

Q: Is the extended use of 'literally' slang?

Among the meanings of literally is one which many people find problematic: "in effect, virtually—used in an exaggerated way to emphasize a statement or description that is not literally true or possible." Neither this nor any of the other meanings of literally is what we would consider slang. This sense has been in standard use by many esteemed writers since the 18th century.

adverb

lit·er·al·ly ˈli-tə-rə-lē

ˈli-trə-lē,

ˈli-tər-lē

Synonyms of literally next

: in a literal sense or manner: such as

: 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

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

The party was attended by literally hundreds of people.

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

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

: in a completely accurate way

a story that is basically true even if not literally true

: 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, "with the meaning of each individual word given exactly." However, this extended definition of literally is commonly used and is not quite the same meaning as 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 a new sense. It has been in regular use since the 18th century and may be found in the writings of Mark Twain, Charlotte Brontë, James Joyce, and many others.

Is the extended use of literally slang?

Among the meanings of literally is one which many people find problematic: "in effect, virtually—used in an exaggerated way to emphasize a statement or description that is not literally true or possible." Neither this nor any of the other meanings of literally is what we would consider slang. This sense has been in standard use by many esteemed writers since the 18th century.

Example Sentences

… 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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web To Mikaela Shiffrin goes the crown, literally and figuratively. —

Nancy Armour, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2023 That’s not a bad value proposition – literally or figuratively. —

Derek Newton, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2023 Rather than building dependency, $500 given directly to a family in poverty can have a literally life-transforming effect. —

Time, 20 Jan. 2023 Hadar Cohen Aviram has a thought or two about what’s going to be hot — literally and figuratively — this year. —

Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 19 Jan. 2023 As the largest joint in the human body, your knees carry a heavy load both literally and figuratively—stiffness or injuries here can throw your entire body out of balance. —

Macaela Mackenzie, Glamour, 19 Jan. 2023 The Telfar wallet is the latest product offering from everyone’s favorite brand and is made out of 100% real leather to last us a lifetime of securing our bags, literally and figuratively. —

Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 18 Jan. 2023 Screens are going to be big this year — both figuratively and literally. —

Monica Chin, The Verge, 17 Jan. 2023 The salaciousness has literally and figuratively drawn gasps from fans, artists and media pundits worldwide. —

Leila Cobo, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'literally.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.