literally

Word parts

literal + -ly

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): ˈlɪt(ə)rəli
• (US) IPA ^(key): ˈlitərəlē IPA ^(key): ˈlitrəlē

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: lit‧er‧al‧ly

Adverb

Positive literally

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. If something happens literally, it happens exactly as it was said.

   When I found out that the company would hire me, I literally jumped for joy. In fact, I hit my head on the ceiling.

Related words

• literal