What does literally mean?
Literally means according to the exact and factual meaning of words, without relying on figures of speech, implied meaning, or exaggeration. For example, if someone says, “The path is closed,” a literal interpretation means that people genuinely cannot use the path, rather than that it is difficult or discouraged. The word is also common in informal speech as an intensifier: “The music was literally deafening” emphasizes how loud it was, though in polished writing the plain intensifier “deafening” may be sufficient. Because literal accuracy can vary with context and intention, literally should not be used to claim that a figurative statement contains no truth at all. It is particularly useful when distinguishing exact meaning from interpretation, parody, or exaggeration.
In accordance with the exact meaning of words or facts, without figurative interpretation.
"She translated the warning literally, preserving every precise detail."
This is the traditional, fully established sense and is appropriate in formal and informal contexts.
Used informally to emphasize that a statement or situation is completely or unquestionably so.
"That backpack is literally full of rocks."
This emphatic use is especially common in speech; overusing it can make a statement sound exaggerated.
A sentence can be literally true without telling the whole story: “The boat sank” is literal, while “The company sank” usually needs interpretation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does literally come from?
Literally comes from the adjective literal, which was borrowed from the Latin litteralis, meaning “of or relating to letters” and, by extension, adhering to the exact sense of words. The adverb suffix -ly was added in the 16th century to form the original sense “in a literal manner.” Its modern emphatic use developed later as a conversational expression reinforcing that a statement is entirely true.
How literally is actually used
In careful or formal writing, use literally when the statement really concerns the exact, non-figurative meaning. In conversation, it is often added for emphasis, where it can sound unnecessary or overly emphatic.
Easily confused with literally
Literally means according to the exact or factual meaning of something, whereas literary relates to literature or to an elegant, imaginative style of writing.
Literally concerns exact meaning or truth, while liberally means in a generous, ample, or unrestricted way.