adverb
literally
In the exact, nonfigurative sense; also informally used for emphasis.
The sign says “Keep Out,” and she takes it literally.
Etymology
Literal concerns the actual wording, from the Latin word for letters. Literally therefore means according to the exact words, with an additional informal use as an intensifier.
More examples
- The Spanish word “casa” literally means “house.”
- The cabin sits literally on the border between two states.
- I literally have a million things to do today.
Forms
literally
literal adjective — Following the exact, nonfigurative meaning of words.