literally in English dictionary

  • literally

    Meanings and definitions of "literally"

    • (speech act) word for word; not figuratively; not as an idiom or metaphor
    • (degree) used as an intensifier for figurative statements : virtually (often considered incorrect; see usage notes)
    • (UK, colloquial) Used as a generic downtoner : just.
    • adverb
      (speech act)
      word for word; not figuratively; not as an idiom or metaphor
    • adverb
      (degree, proscribed)
      used non-literally as an intensifier for figurative statements: virtually (often considered incorrect; see usage notes)
    • adverb
      (colloquial)
      Used as a generic downtoner: just, merely.
    • not metaphorically
    • In the direct, word for word sense.
    • adverb
      (intensifier before a figurative expression) without exaggeration; "our eyes were literally pinned to TV during the Gulf War"
    • adverb
      in a literal sense; "literally translated"; "he said so literally"

    Antonyms of "literally" in English dictionary

    figuratively is the antonym of "literally" in the English thesaurus.

    Grammar and declension of literally

    • literally ( not comparable)
    • literally (not comparable)

Sample sentences with "literally"

Available translations

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