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> the misused "literally" is to indicate exaggeration Used to be. Now "literally" literally means "figuratively". [1] [1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dic
by anon9001 6y ago
> the misused "literally" is to indicate exaggeration
Used to be. Now "literally" literally means "figuratively". [1]
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literally https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literally
- powersnail 6y agoFrom your link: > Can literally mean figuratively? > One of the definitions of literally that we provide is "in effect, virtually—used in an exaggerated way to emphasize a statement or description that is not literally true or possible." Some find this objectionable on the grounds that it is not the primary meaning of the word, "with the meaning of each individual word given exactly." However, this extended definition of literally is commonly used and is not quite the same meaning as figuratively ("with a meaning that is metaphorical rather than literal"). That seem to confirm my impression that "literally" is used to indicate exaggeration, rather than being figurative. Edit: formatting the quote
- xKingfisher 6y agoYou are correct. Literally is commonly used as an intensifier and has been for ages. Complaining that modern people are literally ruining the word literally is a popular internet gripe.