When should the word "literally" be used?

Question

I believe this is the most over used word in English today. Do people no longer use metaphors and similes to give color to their language?

Answer 1

I agree, it is overused to an annoying extent. It is often used to mean something like "extremely". For example, people say "I am literally over my head in work." Well, very few people can be literally in that state. If you are a deep sea diver, yes. Otherwise, you might have lots and lots of work, but being "over your head" is still a metaphor, not the literal truth.

Answer 2

lit·er·al·ly [ líttərəlee ]


adverb

Definition:

1. strictly adhering to basic meaning: in a way based on the basic or explicit meaning of a word or text
You shouldn't interpret these lyrics literally.


2. without exaggeration: used to show that a statement is actually true and not exaggerated
He had literally thousands of books in his home.


3. used for emphasis: used with figurative expressions to add emphasis ( informal )
I was literally freezing.



Word Usage

literally used for emphasis:


In formal contexts, avoid using literally in a consciously exaggerated way to add emphasis, especially in combination with a colorful figure of speech: We were literally swamped with offers. Say instead We had a huge number of offers, or We had more offers than we could deal with.

Answer 3

I agree that the word "literally" is literally overused. People often use it when what they literally mean is "figuratively." I literally hate the practice, and I wish someone would litarally teach these people the literal meaning!

Answer 4

They do and literally is meant when say, uh, those waves are as big as houses, literally! It is meant to imply that the saying in true and "literal".

Answer 5

When you mean what you say literally.

And yes, it is overused. But whaddya gonna do, eh?

Answer 6

"Literally" should only be used by middle school girls when they are talking to their friends.