literally
/ˈlɪtərəli/
adverb
- In a literal way; exactly as the words mean, without exaggeration or metaphor.
- The word 'astronaut' literally means 'star sailor' in Greek.
- The instructions said to cut the paper exactly in half, so I literally measured it with a ruler.
- He took her comment literally and didn't realize she was joking.
- Used for emphasis or to express strong feeling, even when the statement is not actually true or possible (informal, modern usage).
- She literally died of embarrassment when she tripped on stage.
- I was so hungry I literally ate a whole pizza by myself.
- My phone literally exploded with notifications after the announcement.
Antonyms