lit·er·al·ly

lit·er·al·ly
/ˈlıtərəli/ adv
1 : in a literal way: such as
1 a : in a way that uses the ordinary and usual meaning of a word

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.

1 b
— used to stress that a statement or description is true and accurate even though it may be surprising

He was literally [=truly, actually] insane.

He was quite literally jumping up and down in his rage.

The party was attended by literally hundreds of people.

1 c : with the meaning of each individual word given exactly

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

1 d : in a completely accurate way

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

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

The group literally poured out new ideas. [=the group produced many new ideas]

Steam was literally coming out of his ears. [=he was very angry]

She was literally beside herself with rage.


Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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