1. The original, literal meaning:
* "In a literal sense; actually; truly." This is the original meaning of the word.
* Example: "I literally jumped out of my skin when I saw the spider." This means the speaker actually physically jumped.
2. The informal, figurative meaning:
* "Emphasize something that is not literally true but is intended to be understood as an exaggeration for effect." This is a more recent, informal use of the word.
* Example: "I literally died laughing when I saw that video." This means the speaker was laughing very hard, but did not actually die.
The problem:
People often use "literally" in the figurative sense, even though it's not technically correct. This can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
Here's the rule of thumb:
* If you're unsure whether to use "literally" or not, ask yourself: Would this statement be true if taken literally? If the answer is no, then it's probably best to choose a different word.
Examples:
* Correct: "I was literally shaking with fear." (The speaker actually physically shook.)
* Incorrect: "I was literally dying of hunger." (The speaker wasn't actually dying.)
Alternatives to "literally":
* Very
* Extremely
* Really
* So much
Ultimately, using "literally" in the figurative sense is considered a grammatical error by some, while others see it as a common and accepted part of informal speech. Just be aware of the potential for misunderstanding and choose your words carefully.