literally Definition
- 1used to emphasize the truth and accuracy of something, often to the point of exaggeration
- 2in a literal manner or sense; exactly
Using literally: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "literally" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I literally died laughing.
Example
The book was so boring that I literally fell asleep.
Example
He was literally running for his life.
Example
She was literally jumping for joy.
literally Synonyms and Antonyms
Antonyms for literally
Phrases with literally
used to indicate that what follows is meant to be taken in a strictly factual or objective sense
Example
Literally speaking, the earth revolves around the sun.
Example
It is literally true that water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
a word or phrase that has been translated from one language to another in a strictly literal or word-for-word manner
Example
The phrase 'je ne sais quoi' is literally translated as 'I don't know what'.
Origins of literally
from Latin 'literalis', meaning 'of or belonging to letters or writing'
Summary: literally in Brief
The term 'literally' [ˈlɪtərəli] is used to emphasize the truth or accuracy of something, often to the point of exaggeration. It can also mean 'in a literal manner or sense; exactly.' Common phrases include 'literally speaking,' 'literally true,' and 'literally translated.' Synonyms include 'actually,' 'truly,' and 'really.'
