What does “literally” mean?

Some people get very angry when they hear or read the word “literally” used in a way that they think is wrong. So, let’s try to understand what it means and how it should be used.

It comes from the same origin as “literature”. That tells us that it has something to do with words.

Its strict use is to emphasise the real or original meaning of a word or phrase.

For example, “Literally millions of people have died because of Covid”. This means exactly what it says: that millions of people have died from Covid. “Literally” adds emphasis to “millions” and tells us that this is a fact, with no exaggeration.

Another example: “He has watched literally all the Marvel films”. Again “literally” emphasises “all” and tells us that it is a fact that he has watched all the Marvel films.

“Literally” is often used to say that we (rightly or wrongly) believe the accuracy of what someone has told us.

For example: “I took her words literally”. This means that I believed what she said.

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Often “literally” is used to emphasise something that might not really be factually true.

For example: “His shot missed the goal literally by miles”. It’s not a fact that the shot missed by “miles”, but the statement emphasises that the shot wasn’t at all close to the goal.

Another example: “I was so angry that I literally exploded”. It’s not a fact that I exploded but the statement emphasises my anger.

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Some people say that it is completely wrong to use “literally” unless it means that something is factually true. For anything else, they say that we should use “figuratively” or “virtually” or nothing at all.

Others say that “literally” has been used for hundreds of years to emphasise things through exaggeration. They can give examples from authors such a Charles Dickens (1812-1870) and William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863). They say that its use can be an example of “hyperbole” – a figure of speech that uses exaggeration to add an effect.

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Two pieces of advice for a learner of English:

1. Be careful! If you use “literally” when something isn’t factually accurate be prepared for someone to tell you that you’re wrong.
2. In formal settings – including essays and exams – only use “literally” when you want to emphasise that something is factually true with no exaggeration. In less formal settings – such as conversations with friends – feel free to use it to emphasise something that isn’t really a “literal” fact and be proud that you know how to use hyperbole.