literally definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

lit·er·al·ly [ líttərəlee ]

adverb

Definition:

1. strictly adhering to basic meaning: in a way based on the basic or explicit meaning of a word or text

You shouldn't interpret these lyrics literally.

2. without exaggeration: used to show that a statement is actually true and not exaggerated

He had literally thousands of books in his home.

3. used for emphasis: used with figurative expressions to add emphasis ( informal )

I was literally freezing.

Word Usage


	literally used for emphasis: In formal contexts, avoid using literally in a consciously exaggerated way to add emphasis, especially in combination with a colorful figure of speech: We were literally swamped with offers. Say instead We had a huge number of offers, or We had more offers than we could deal with.