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literally
01
used for putting emphasis on something that seems surprising but is true
Examples
He literally works around the clock, often staying at the office until midnight.
When he said he was literally starving, he meant he had n't eaten all day.
02
in a manner that expresses what is really intended, without exaggeration
Examples
Her excitement was so intense that she literally jumped up and down when she received the award.
The comedian 's jokes about his job were funny because they were literally true; he worked in a clown costume at a theme park.
03
(intensifier before a figurative expression) without exaggeration
Lexical Tree
literally
literal
