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Ironically, one of the definitions of 'literally' is 'figuratively'. This has been the case for over a hundred, and many acclaimed authors (Fitzgerald, Joyce, e
by smanek 17y ago
Ironically, one of the definitions of 'literally' is 'figuratively'. This has been the case for over a hundred, and many acclaimed authors (Fitzgerald, Joyce, etc) have used it in this sense.
Technically, it's a 'janus word,' which means it has two definitions that are antonyms. The canonical example is 'cleave' which means both separate and adhere.
- StrawberryFrog 17y agoIt's a sense that I, and other people, strictly avoid. Why use "literally" to mean "very" but "not literally"? It adds nothing but confusion. I would say it's an error, but if you want to be pedantic the rules describe usage, not prescribe it.