literally

Exactly as the words describe, rather than as a way of expressing something else.

• The room was literally full of books.
• He literally fell asleep standing up.
• Did you mean that literally?

How to use it: take something literally (She took my invitation literally and came immediately.)

Similar words: actually

Opposites: figuratively

Common phrases: literally true, literally mean something, take something literally, literally fall apart

With no extra or reduced importance added to what is true.

• Her account was literally true.
• The claim is literally correct, although it sounds unlikely.
• Every detail he reported was literally accurate.

Similar words: exactly, strictly

Common phrases: literally correct, literally accurate, literally true