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Literally

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. In a literal manner; exactly as stated without exaggeration or metaphor.
2. Used to emphasize the exactness or truthfulness of a statement.
3. Referring to something that is actual or real, without any figurative or symbolic interpretation.
4. Describing something in its precise, factual form.
5. In a way that adheres strictly to the original meaning or text.

History and Origin

The word “literally” originates from the Latin word littera, meaning “letter,” which is associated with writing and language. It was first used in English in the 16th century to describe something that was true to the exact letter or meaning of a statement. Over time, the word evolved to not only refer to exactness in language but also to emphasize or intensify the truth of a claim. Although originally it referred to something being expressed exactly as it is, its usage has become more flexible in modern language, sometimes being used for emphasis, even when the statement is not strictly literal.

Detailed Explanation

“Literally” is used to stress that something is true to the exact meaning or fact, without any exaggeration or alteration. It emphasizes the precision or factual nature of an event, statement, or description. In its traditional sense, it is used to indicate that a description or claim should be taken at face value, exactly as stated. For example, if someone says, “I literally ran five miles,” it implies that they did indeed run exactly five miles. However, the word has also become widely used in contemporary language for emphasis, even when the situation is not strictly literal, such as in phrases like “I literally died of laughter,” which is figurative and not to be taken as a factual statement.

Example Sentences

1. The temperature dropped so low that the water literally froze on the sidewalk.
2. He literally worked all night to finish the project.
3. The house was so quiet, it literally felt like no one was home.
4. She literally jumped out of her seat when she heard the news.
5. The speech was so inspiring that I literally had tears in my eyes.
6. I was so tired that I literally fell asleep as soon as I got into bed.
7. He literally climbed to the top of the mountain in just a few hours.
8. The situation was so intense that it literally left me speechless.
9. They literally couldn’t find a single clue at the crime scene.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Exactly – Referring to something being precisely as described or intended.
2. Precisely – In a manner that is exact, often used interchangeably with “literally.”
3. Veritably – Truly or genuinely, often used to emphasize something that is undeniably true.
4. Unquestionably – Without any doubt, used to stress the truth of a statement.
5. Factually – Referring to something based on facts or truth, often in contrast to figurative language.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. True – Conforming to fact or reality, similar to how “literally” confirms something.
2. Actual – Referring to what is real or factual, akin to something being literally the case.
3. Genuine – Authentic and real, often indicating something that is truly as described.
4. Concrete – Real and tangible, used to describe something that is exact and not abstract.
5. Literal – Referring to the exact meaning of words, similar in usage to “literally.”

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Factual – Based on facts, corresponding to the strict meaning of “literally.”
2. Authentic – Genuine and true, emphasizing the truth of something as expressed literally.
3. Real – Existing in fact; not imaginary, closely tied to literal descriptions.
4. Unembellished – Without exaggeration or metaphor, similar to the exactness implied by “literally.”
5. Precise – Exactly correct or accurate, often used in the same context as “literally.”

Antonyms

1. Figuratively
2. Imaginatively
3. Metaphorically
4. Symbolically
5. Hyperbolically