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literally

adverb B2 Neutral

Meaning

The adverb "literally" is used to emphasize that something is true in a strict sense, without exaggeration or metaphor.
💡 A common mistake is using "literally" for emphasis in figurative expressions, which can lead to confusion.

Example Sentences

Did you literally see the movie last night ?
I was literally waiting for you outside the whole time .
The book was literally on the table when I arrived .
The report literally highlights the key issues affecting the economy .

Word in Context

I waited at the bus stop for half an hour because the schedule was wrong . By the time the bus arrived , my shoes were literally soaked from the puddles on the road . I didn't like carrying wet shoes , so I changed into the dry slippers that I keep under the bench . The driver apologized and said the delay had been caused by traffic , so I decided to read a book until I reached my stop .

Common Phrases

literally speaking literally true literally impossible

Antonyms

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