ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Literally

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈlɪtəɹəli/ · Part of speech adverb

Quick meaning: Literally is an adverb meaning Word for word, exactly as stated.

Meaning

Word for word, exactly as stated.

More Meanings

  1. As an intensifier.
  2. (colloquial) Used as a generic downtoner: just, merely.

Example Sentences

It won't take me long to get back, 'cause the store's literally two blocks away.
It's not even hard⁠ to make—you literally just put it in the microwave for five minutes and it's done.

Word Forms

Synonyms for literally

Depending on context, synonyms include merely, barely, but, just, only, simply.

Antonyms for literally

Common opposites include figuratively.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include virtually, verbatim, basically, practically, really, explicitly.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.