literally

lit-er-al-ly · adverb

imported

Definitions

adverb

  1. 1.

    In a literal manner or sense; exactly as stated.

  2. 2.

    Used for emphasis, though not in a literal sense.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    take literally — Interpret exactly as written or spoken.
  • •
    literally speaking — In the exact sense of the words.

Related words

Antonyms: figuratively, metaphorically
See also: actually, exactly, figuratively, literal, really
Synonyms: actually, exactly, precisely, really

Etymology

From Latin litteralis ("of or pertaining to letters"), from littera ("letter"). The suffix -ly forms the adverb. The word entered English through Old French.