LITERALLY Meaning and
Definition
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Literally is an adverb that is used to indicate that something is true or accurate in a strict and literal sense, without exaggeration or metaphorical interpretation. It denotes that the statement being expressed corresponds exactly with the actual meaning of the words used, adhering to their primary definition without any imaginative or figurative embellishment.
The term "literally" often serves to emphasize the factual nature of a statement or to highlight the speaker's intention to be understood in a strictly literal sense. By using "literally," one is asserting that the words or description being used are not a mere exaggeration, hyperbole, or metaphorical expression but are a precise representation of reality.
For example, if one says, "I literally ran a marathon yesterday," it means that the person physically completed the 26.2-mile race, without implying it as a metaphor for any other accomplishment.
However, it is important to note that "literally" has also become more colloquially used in contemporary language, extending its meaning to include a sense of emphasis or exaggeration, even when the statement is not strictly true in a literal sense. This evolving usage has sparked debate among language enthusiasts, as it challenges the original definition.
Top Common Misspellings for LITERALLY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for LITERALLY
Etymology of LITERALLY
The word "literally" comes from the Late Latin term "literāliter", derived from the Latin word "litera" meaning "letter" or "character" (plural: "literae"). In its original usage, "literally" meant "in a literal or letter-by-letter manner". However, over time, it has gradually evolved to acquire an additional meaning, now widely accepted, referring to the use of words or phrases not in their literal sense but to emphasize or exaggerate a statement.
Similar spelling words for LITERALLY
- liberally,
- laterally,
- litter lout,
- litoral,
- littrell,
- literalism,
- lateral,
- literalise,
- Litteral,
- literalness,
- littoral,
- laterality,
- litherland,
- literalize,
- literal.
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