DictionaryAI

literally

adverb
LIT-ur-uh-lee/ˈlɪtəɹəli/UKLIT-uh-ruh-lee/ˈlɪtəɹəli/

Often confused with figuratively

4 meanings of literally

Practice

  1. 1
    word for wordadverb
    Exactly as the words say, word for word, not as a way of speaking.

    Don't take him literally; he always makes things sound bigger than they are.

    The word breakfast literally means to break a fast.

    UsagePeople often say don't take it literally: do not think the words are exactly true.

    Similarexactly, precisely, verbatim, strictly

    Oppositefiguratively, metaphorically, loosely

    Note
  2. 2
    exaggeratingadverb
    Used to make what you say sound stronger, even when it is not exactly true.

    I literally died laughing when the cat fell off the couch.

    My backpack literally weighs a ton today.

    UsageSome people dislike this use. In careful writing, just leave the word out.

    Note
  3. 3
    adverb
    Really, not just as a way of speaking. People use it when a common saying is actually true.

    When I say my shoes are falling apart, I mean it literally. There is a hole in each one.

    The water was literally freezing, and ice was forming at the edge of the pool.

  4. 4
    playing downadverbcolloquial
    Used like 'just' or 'only' to make something sound small or simple.

    Why are you so upset? I literally just said hi.

    You literally just press one button and the machine does the rest.

    UsageUsually used with just or a small number: literally just one click.

    Similarjust, merely, simply, only

    Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Middle English "litteraly." It is made from "literal" plus the ending "-ly."

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts