easy
The box literally weighed ten pounds.
What does Literally mean?
Literally means exactly as stated.
Dictionary definition
In the exact or real meaning of the words, not as an exaggeration or figure of speech.
Example sentences
Literally in a sentence
medium
When she said the door was open, she meant it literally.
hard
Readers must decide whether a phrase is meant literally or figuratively.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice literally in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Literally
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does literally mean?
Literally means exactly as stated.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to literally?
Exactly is close in meaning to literally.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses literally correctly?
This sentence uses literally with its correct meaning.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Literally
Voice settings
Sounds like
lit · er · uh · lee · strongest beat: lit
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordLiterally.
Partadverb.
MeaningLiterally means exactly as stated.
ExampleExample: The box literally weighed ten pounds.
Word breakdown
4 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- lit · er · uh · lee
- Strongest beat
- lit
- Ending
- lee
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on lit.
Your turn
Say Literally
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Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced literally.
Synonyms
Words like Literally
Antonyms
Opposite words
figurativelynot meant in the exact word-for-word sense
symbolicallyused as a symbol rather than exact fact
Synonym practice
Want to practice literally synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The word literally meant exactly what it said," then compare close word choices. Practice literally synonyms.
Word family
Literally word family
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Literally
Hint for students
Literally means exactly as stated.
Common mix-up
Literally is not the same as figuratively. Literally means literally means exactly as stated.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: When she said the door was open, she meant it literally. Clue words: said, door, open. Underline clue words that show why literally fits instead of figuratively. Now write one new sentence that shows literally without using the word literally. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show literally?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "When she said the door was open, she meant it literally." Why does literally fit better than figuratively?
Learning activities
Practice Literally and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice LITERALLY” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice LITERALLY
Sentence Builder
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Spell Hive
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Vocabulary Match
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Context Clue Challenge
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Use context clues
Practice LITERALLY
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes LITERALLY.
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Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
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