adverb
definition
Word for word; not figuratively; not as an idiom or metaphor
example
When I saw on the news that there would be no school tomorrow because of the snowstorm, I literally jumped for joy, and hit my head on the ceiling fan.
synonyms
definition
(degree, contranym) Used non-literally as an intensifier for figurative statements: virtually, so to speak (often considered incorrect; see usage notes)
example
He was so surprised, he literally jumped twenty feet in the air.
synonyms
definition
Used to intensify or dramatise non-figurative statements; tending towards a meaningless filler word in repeated use.
example
I had no idea, so I was literally guessing.
definition
Used as a generic downtoner: just, merely.
example
You literally put it in the microwave for five minutes and it's done.
synonyms