Litrally vs. Literally: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 10, 2024
Litrally is an incorrect spelling; the correct version is Literally, which means in a literal manner or sense.
Which is correct: Litrally or Literally
How to spell Literally?
Litrally is Incorrect
Literally is Correct
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Key Differences
Think of "Literally" as being linked to literature, which emphasizes precision.
"Literally" contains "literal" in it, emphasizing its directness.
Count two 'l's in the middle of "Literally."
Remember "Liter" like the metric unit to start the word "Literally."
Visualize the phrase "Literally Literal" to reinforce the spelling.
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Correct usage of Literally
I litrally just finished the book when you called.
I literally just finished the book when you called.
Literally everyone was shocked by the news.
He litrally ate the whole pizza by himself.
He literally ate the whole pizza by himself.
She was so scared, she litrally couldn't move.
She was so scared, she literally couldn't move.
They litrally ran into each other at the mall.
They literally ran into each other at the mall.
Literally Definitions
Literally means in a strict sense or manner.
I was literally shaking with excitement.
Literally indicates a word-for-word translation.
The phrase was taken literally from the original text.
Literally denotes emphasizing the truth of a statement.
There were literally hundreds of options to choose from.
Literally contrasts figurative or exaggerated statements.
I'm so hungry I could eat a horse, but not literally.
In a literal manner; word for word
Translated the Greek passage literally.
In a literal or strict sense
Don't take my remarks literally.
Actually; in effect; practically. Used as an intensive to emphasize a figurative statement in an exaggerated way
“There are people in the world who literally do not know how to boil water” (Craig Claiborne). I was so angry that my heart literally exploded with rage.
Word for word; not figuratively; not as an idiom or metaphor.
When I saw on the news that there would be no school tomorrow because of the snowstorm, I literally jumped for joy, and hit my head on the ceiling fan.
Used non-literally as an intensifier for figurative statements: virtually, so to speak (often considered incorrect; see usage notes)
He was so surprised, he literally jumped twenty feet in the air.
My daughter's pet rabbit had babies, and now we've literally got rabbits coming out of our ears.
On 9/11 people were literally glued to their TV sets.
(colloquial) Used to intensify or dramatize non-figurative statements.
I had no idea, so I was literally guessing.
I was literally having breakfast when she arrived.
She was literally like, "What?", and I was literally like, "Yeah".
Literally who is this?
(colloquial) Used as a generic downtoner: just, merely.
It's not even hard to make—you literally just put it in the microwave for five minutes and it's done.
It won't take me long to get back, cause the store's literally two blocks away.
According to the primary and natural import of words; not figuratively; as, a man and his wife can not be literally one flesh.
With close adherence to words; word by word.
So wild and ungovernable a poet can not be translated literally.
In a literal sense;
Literally translated
He said so literally
(intensifier before a figurative expression) without exaggeration;
Our eyes were literally pinned to TV during the Gulf war
Literally emphasizes an exact representation or fact.
He was literally on the edge of his seat.
Literally Sentences
The temperature was so high, it was literally like an oven outside.
The movie was so sad, I literally cried through the whole thing.
He's literally my best friend; we do everything together.
The city was literally deserted at dawn.
She was literally the last person to leave the office.
The book literally changed my life.
The comedian was so funny, I was literally rolling on the floor laughing.
She's literally the smartest person I know.
They literally built the house from the ground up.
I literally ran into my teacher at the grocery store.
I've been so busy, I've literally not had a moment to myself.
I was so hungry, I could have literally eaten a horse.
I was literally on the edge of my seat during the entire movie.
I literally burst into laughter when I heard the joke.
The news was so shocking, I was literally speechless.
The car literally broke down the day after I bought it.
They were literally the perfect couple.
It was literally raining cats and dogs yesterday.
It was so quiet, you could literally hear a pin drop.
She literally jumped for joy when she heard the good news.
I literally have no idea what to do next.
The project took forever to complete; it was literally a marathon.
The song was stuck in my head for days; it was literally on repeat.
I had to start over, literally from scratch.
We were literally walking in circles trying to find our car.
Literally Idioms & Phrases
Literally speaking
Referring to the exact or primary meaning of a word or phrase, without exaggeration or metaphor.
Literally speaking, a milky way is a galaxy containing billions of stars, not just a candy bar.
Literally translated
When a word or phrase is translated directly from one language to another, maintaining the original meaning as closely as possible.
The phrase Je ne sais quoi is literally translated as I don't know what in English.
Not to be taken literally
A caution that something should not be understood in the strictest sense, but rather interpreted for its underlying or metaphorical meaning.
The expression break a leg is not to be taken literally; it's just a way to wish someone good luck.
Literally overnight
Something happening very quickly and unexpectedly, as if it occurred in the duration of a single night.
The news spread literally overnight, and by morning everyone knew.
Literally a breath of fresh air
Something or someone that is refreshingly different and welcome, although it can also refer to actual clean air.
Her innovative ideas were literally a breath of fresh air for the team.
Literally the best/worst
Used for emphasis to express that something or someone is the best or worst, without exaggeration.
This is literally the best pizza I've ever had.
To be taken literally
To understand words or phrases in their most basic and direct meaning, without any figurative interpretation.
When I say the lake is crystal clear, I mean it to be taken literally; you can see all the way to the bottom.
Living literally
Leading a life that is straightforward and takes things as they are, often avoiding exaggeration or embellishment.
He's a man of simple tastes, living literally and focusing on what truly matters.
Take something literally
To understand something in the most basic, direct sense without interpreting it figuratively or metaphorically.
When I said it's raining cats and dogs, he took it literally and looked worried about animals falling from the sky.
Literally on fire
To be doing exceptionally well or to be in a state of great enthusiasm, although it can also mean actually being engulfed in flames.
During the performance, she was literally on fire, captivating everyone with her energy. (Use context to determine the figurative or literal meaning)
Literally a stone's throw away
Very close in distance, as if one could throw a stone and reach the destination.
The beach is literally a stone's throw away from their house.
Literally out of the blue
Something happening unexpectedly and without warning, although it can also refer to something coming from the sky.
The decision came literally out of the blue, surprising everyone.
Literally at the end of one's rope
Feeling extremely frustrated or being in a desperate situation, as if one has run out of options.
After hours of trying to solve the problem, she was literally at the end of her rope.
Literally on the edge of one's seat
To be very excited and eagerly anticipating what happens next, although it can also mean sitting in such a way physically.
The thriller was so intense, I was literally on the edge of my seat the whole time.
To literally turn the tables
To change the situation to one's advantage, although it can also mean physically turning a table around.
With that move, he literally turned the tables on his opponent.
Literally a matter of life and death
A situation that is extremely serious and critical, although it can also refer to actual situations where lives are at risk.
For the rescue team, every mission is literally a matter of life and death.
To have literally hit the nail on the head
To describe an action or statement that is exactly right or accurate, although it can also refer to the actual act of hitting a nail perfectly with a hammer.
When she explained the problem, she literally hit the nail on the head.
Literally in the dark
To be completely uninformed or unaware about something, although it can also mean physically being in a place without light.
Before the briefing, we were all literally in the dark about the company's new direction.
To literally see eye to eye
To agree completely on something, although it can also mean looking directly into someone's eyes.
It's rare for them to literally see eye to eye on any topic.
Literally a leap in the dark
To take a risk without knowing the outcome, although it can also refer to an actual jump in a dark place.
Starting my own business was literally a leap in the dark.
FAQs
Why is it called Literally?
It's called "Literally" because it denotes a direct, word-for-word interpretation or factuality of a statement.
Which vowel is used before Literally?
The indefinite article "a" is used before Literally.
Which preposition is used with Literally?
There isn't a specific preposition that is always used with "Literally." The preposition will depend on the context.
What is the verb form of Literally?
"Literally" is an adverb and doesn't have a verb form.
What is the plural form of Literally?
Adverbs don't have plural forms, so there isn't a plural for "Literally."
Is Literally an adverb?
Yes, Literally is an adverb.
What is the pronunciation of Literally?
Literally is pronounced as /ˈlɪtərəli/.
What is the root word of Literally?
The root word is "Literal."
Which conjunction is used with Literally?
Any conjunction can be used with "Literally" based on the sentence structure.
Is Literally a vowel or consonant?
"Literally" is a word composed of both vowels and consonants.
Is Literally a countable noun?
No, because Literally is not a noun.
What is the singular form of Literally?
"Literally" does not have a singular or plural form as it is an adverb.
Is Literally a negative or positive word?
Literally is neutral; its connotation depends on context.
Is the Literally term a metaphor?
No, "Literally" denotes the exactness and is opposite to metaphorical expressions.
Is the word Literally imperative?
No, "Literally" is not an imperative verb.
What is another term for Literally?
Another term for Literally is "actually."
Which determiner is used with Literally?
Determiners aren't typically used directly with the adverb "Literally."
What is the second form of Literally?
As above, "Literally" is an adverb and doesn't have verb forms.
How is Literally used in a sentence?
She was literally over the moon when she heard the news.
Which article is used with Literally?
Either "a" or "the" can be used with "Literally" depending on the context.
Is Literally a collective noun?
No, Literally is not a collective noun.
How many syllables are in Literally?
Literally has four syllables.
How do we divide Literally into syllables?
Literally is divided as Lit-er-al-ly.
What part of speech is Literally?
Literally is an adverb.
What is the first form of Literally?
Adverbs don't have verb forms, so there isn't a "first form" for "Literally."
What is the third form of Literally?
As above, "Literally" is an adverb and doesn't have verb forms.
Is Literally a noun or adjective?
Literally is neither; it is an adverb.
Is Literally an abstract noun?
No, Literally is not an abstract noun.
What is a stressed syllable in Literally?
The stressed syllable is "Lit."
What is the opposite of Literally?
The opposite of Literally is "figuratively."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
