Oops, You're Probably Using 'Literally' Incorrectly—Here's What It Actually Means

Kelsey Pelzer
·3 min read

We all know someone who repeats a certain word frequently in conversations. Maybe it's "like," or "essentially" or "literally." That likely sounds familiar, and it can be a bit distracting—especially when the term is used incorrectly. But what does "literally" mean, actually?

Sometimes, when people use this term online or in real life, others are quick to either roll their eyes or correct them out loud: "That's not what 'literally' means." However, it turns out, that person doing the correcting isn't exactly right. Confused? Let's explain—and give many individuals the opportunity to gloat at the same time.

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"Literally" Meaning

What exactly does "literally" mean? Well, there are actually two different meanings of the word. According to Merriam-Webster, it can mean either "in a literal sense or manner" or "in effect: VIRTUALLY." So, you can correctly use "literally" as a way of exaggerating something!

Related: 'Laying’ vs. ‘Lying’—Here’s the Easiest Trick To Remember Which Word To Use

When Can I Use "Literally"?

Based on the two different definitions of the word, you can use "literally" either when you're referring to a specific number or fact, OR when you're speaking in an exaggerated way with a description that is understood to be impossible in a literal sense.

Examples of Using "Literally" Correctly:

  • "I almost missed the online deadline—it was 11:58, I was literally two minutes away from failing the assignment."

  • "I really liked that the movie was based on a true story, even if it wasn't literally exactly what happened."

  • "The stadium for Taylor Swift was literally filled up with hundreds of people."

  • "I could literally see our future together when I looked into his eyes."

  • "My stomach was literally screaming at me, I was so hungry!"

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Why Do People Say "Literally"?

People say "literally" for a variety of reasons—but when it is used correctly, it's said either to make a literal, exact, factual point, or said to exaggerate a story or point in a way that is understood to be an exaggeration.

Why Do People Use "Literally" Incorrectly?

So, now that it's understood that the word has two possible meanings, it's important to also understand you can still use the term incorrectly. This happens when individuals exaggerate a point, but it's actually not an impossibility. They're trying to communicate a strong feeling or elicit a certain reaction using some dramatic flair—however, it comes across as simply untrue.

Examples of Using "Literally" Incorrectly

  • "When I saw him glance my way, I literally died."

  • "I literally broke my arm trying to open that heavy door just now."

  • "After five minutes in the sun, my hair literally turned a different color."

Related: What Exactly Is the Difference Between 'Complement' and 'Compliment,' Anyway?

What Does "Hypothetically Speaking" Mean?

"Hypothetically speaking" is used when someone is referring to something that is not based on true facts or situations at the time. For example, someone might present you with the question: "Hypothetically speaking, what would you buy first if you were given a million dollars?"

However, some people might use this phrase in a way that's hiding a bit of truth. For example, an employee could ask their boss, "Hypothetically speaking, if someone were to not return to work after going on maternity leave, would they have to pay back their benefits?" Maybe it truly was just a hypothetical question, but maybe it was with a pregnant coworker in mind who wanted to find out the answer without getting in trouble.

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