Literally
/ˈlɪtərəli/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adverbIn the exact basic meaning of the words, not figuratively.
Extra definitions
adverbIn the exact or original sense.
adverbWithout exaggeration or metaphor.
adverbUsed to emphasize that something is true.
Sentence Examples
The word literally means ‘under-standing.’
I literally saw the bird land.
She was literally shaking with fear.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
None
Antonyms:
None
Word Origin & History
From Middle English litteraly. See literal and letter. By surface analysis, literal + -ly.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
“Lights were going out. A raid! A raid! It was a panic, literally, in a whorehouse!”
— 1969, Allen V. Ross, Vice in Bombay, London: Tallis Press, page 142:
“All events became omens; I lost the ability to take anything literally.”
— 1991, Douglas Coupland, “Dead at 30 Buried at 70”, in Generation X, New York: St. Martin's Press, →OCLC, page 31:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The word ____ means ‘under-standing.’