Definition of "literally" []

• In a literal manner; word for word: translated the Greek passage literally. (adverb)
• In a literal or strict sense: Don't take my remarks literally. (adverb)
• Usage Problem Really; actually: "There are people in the world who literally do not know how to boil water” ( Craig Claiborne). (adverb)
• Usage Problem Used as an intensive before a figurative expression. (adverb)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The title literally translates as "Lord of Light"."
• "The original French title literally translates as "Howling Metal.""
• "I think the name literally translates as 'big antlers' thanks to Gaelic Dictionaries Online."