Literally-Figuratively | Commonly Confused Words
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Literally vs. Figuratively

Literally

/ˈlɪtərəli/
Used to describe something that happens in the exact way it is described; can also mean something is very true with no exaggeration

Examples:

He literally looks as if he had been varnished all over.'He had, almost literally, been cut to ribbons.Aramis rose, his eyes literally bloodshot, his mouth trembling convulsively.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Figuratively

/ˈfɪɡj(ə)rətɪvli/
Used to indicate a metaphorical or non-literal sense of a word or phrase.

Examples:

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Literally is used to describe something that actually happened, while figuratively conveys a symbolic or metaphorical meaning.
  • If you say "I literally died of laughter," it means something serious happened, which is likely not true; use figuratively instead.
  • Use literally when youre providing factual information and want to stress that what youre saying is true and not exaggerated.
  • Remember that figuratively is for exaggeration, symbolism, and figurative speech, not for stating facts.
  • Think of literally as grounded in reality and figuratively as creative or exaggerated speech.
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