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Master confusing words with ease

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:

She was literally shaking with fear.I literally laughed until my stomach hurt.

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:

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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