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literally

/ˈlɪtəɹəli/
Meanings
  • Adverb

    Used to emphasize that something is exactly what it seems or is being described, or to emphasize the truth of a statement.

    - "I literally tripped over a rock."
    - "He was literally shaking with fear."
    - "The book is so heavy, I could barely literally carry it."
Pronunciation
  1. /ˈlɪtəɹəli/



    Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=88557155"
  2. /ˈlɪ.ɾɚ.ə.li/



    Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2707551"
Antonyms

figuratively , metaphorically , virtually
Synonyms

actually , really , merely , virtually
Rhymes
Words rhyming with literally
literally , heterocliteally , materially , ceremonially , apocalyptically
Variants
List of all variants of literally that leads to same result
literally
Forms
Different forms of the word (e.g., verb conjugations, plural forms, comparative/superlative forms for adjectives).

literally, more literally, most literally

Etymology
origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

From Old French litteralment 'literally, in a literal way, in writing', from littera 'letter'.

Trivia
Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

  1. The longest word in the English language that can be written using only the letters in the word 'literally' is 'unenlightenment'.

  2. The word 'literally' was first used in English in the 14th century.

  3. The phrase 'literally speaking' means 'in a literal sense'.

Related Concepts
informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

  1. Figurative language: Figurative language is a type of language that uses words and phrases to mean something other than their literal meaning. 'Literally' is often used to contrast with figurative language.

  2. Hyperbole: Hyperbole is a type of figurative language that uses extreme exaggeration for emphasis or effect. 'Literally' can be used to emphasize that a statement is not an exaggeration, but a literal truth.

Quotes
Quotes by authors and personalities

  1. … make the whole scene "literally" glow with the fires of his imagination.

    - Alfred Kazin,{it}Harper's{/it},December 1968

  2. Even Muff did not miss our periods of companionship, because about that time she grew up and started having "literally" millions of kittens.

    - Jean Stafford,{it}Bad Characters{/it},1954

  3. Lily, the caretaker's daughter, was "literally" run off her feet. Hardly had she brought one gentleman into the little pantry … than the wheezy hall-door bell clanged again and she had to scamper along the bare hallway to let in another guest.

    - James Joyce,{it}Dubliners{/it},1914

  4. … yet the wretch, absorbed in his victuals, and naturally of an unutterable dullness, did not make a single remark during dinner, whereas I "literally" blazed with wit.

    - William Makepeace Thackeray,{it}Punch{/it},30 Oct. 1847
Culture
Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

In literature, 'literally' is often used for emphasis or to add irony. For example, in Mark Twain's 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court', the character Hank Morgan uses the phrase 'literally true' to describe a lie he has just told.

How to Memorize "literally"

  1. visualize

    - Visualize a situation where you are describing something exactly as it is, using the word 'literally' to emphasize the truth.

  2. associate

    - Associate the word 'literally' with the idea of truth and exactness.

  3. mnemonics

    - Use the mnemonic 'Literally Means Let It Really Transpire Accurately' to remember the definition of 'literally'.

Memorize "literally" using Dictozo

The best and recommended way to memorize literally is, by using Dictozo. Just save the word in Dictozo extension and let the app handle the rest. It enhances the memorization process in two ways:

  1. Highlighting:

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