literally
UK: ˈlɪtərəli | US: ˈlɪtərəli
adv. in a literal manner; word for word
adv. used for emphasis (often hyperbolic or ironic)
adv. actually; without exaggeration
The word "literally" stems from the Latin littera (letter), entering English via Old French literal. The root "literal" originally meant "of or pertaining to letters/words," reflecting precise textual interpretation. By the 18th century, it gained an emphatic sense (e.g., "literally drowning in work") as hyperbolic speech. The adverb suffix "-ly" standardizes its grammatical function. Notably, its modern hyperbolic usage often sparks debate among language purists.
The translator rendered the poem literally, preserving every metaphor.
He was literally shaking with excitement before the performance.
The instructions say to "plant the seeds deep," but don’t take that literally.
She literally ran a marathon in under three hours.
The phrase "break a leg" shouldn’t be interpreted literally.