Since it's widely accepted that the word "literally" can be used to add emphasis, we need another word that can be used when you want to make it clear that you really mean "literally" in the original sense.

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[–] 110 points 4 months ago (16 children)

The word you're looking for is "literally."

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  • [–] 40 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (3 children)

    Wait until you find out where the word very comes from.

    Verily the veritas may surprise you.

    Edit: and literally does not even literally mean “opposite of figuratively” — it literally means “by the letter” — as in literature — as any literate person knows.

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  • [–] [S] -3 points 4 months ago* (8 children)

    Unfortunately Merriam-Webster disagrees.

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  • [–] 14 points 4 months ago (5 children)

    If you feel that it's unfortunate, why take their side? I've found that no confusion is caused by using it the correct way. If any might be, it is at least in service of a noble cause.

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  • [–] 6 points 4 months ago (4 children)

    Language evolves and, more ever than Merriam-Webster, the speakers and writers get to decide what words mean. While that does apply to you not wanting it mean that, you are swimming against the current in this case.

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