literally

6 definitions • 8 examples

using the real or original meaning of a word or phrase:

They were responsible for literally millions of deaths.

We live literally just round the corner from her.

If you translate literally, you translate each word in a text separately, without looking at how the words are used together in a phrase or sentence:

Translations that are done too literally often don't flow well or don't sound natural.

used to emphasize what you are saying:

He missed that kick literally by miles.

I was literally bowled over by the news.

simply or just:

Then you literally cut the sausage down the middle.

used for emphasizing how large or great an amount is:

There were literally hundreds of pages to read in the contract.

Literally is also used to emphasize a statement and suggest that it is surprising:

I literally (= really) had no idea you and Sophie were coming.