American English
/ˈlɪ.ɾɚ.ə.li/
4 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Used to show that a word or statement has its exact, usual meaning, not a figurative one.
“Literally” is commonly pronounced /ˈlɪ.ɾɚ.ə.li/, and you may also hear the shorter /ˈlɪt̚.ɹə.li/ in American English.
Used to show that a word or statement has its exact, usual meaning, not a figurative one.
The word literally means “without color.”
Don’t take his comment literally.
literally mean · literally true · take something literally
something + literally + means + something
take + something + literally
Used to add strong emphasis, even when what you say is not exactly true.
I was literally freezing on the bus.
That was literally the best meal I’ve ever had.
In careful writing, use literally for an exact meaning. For strong emphasis, very or really is often clearer.
literally everyone · literally nothing · literally impossible
subject + literally + verb
literally + adjective
when using the exact meaning of the words
Literally speaking, the sign says “No entry.”
to understand words in their exact meaning
She was joking, so don’t take her literally.