Literally vs. Figuratively Why It Matters

Ever heard someone say, “I was literally dying of laughter”? ????
Were they actually dying? Nope. And that, my friend, is where things get tricky.

"Literally" and "figuratively" are often used interchangeably, but they have very different meanings. Using them wrong might just make your message confusing—or hilarious (and not in a good way). Let’s clear it up once and for all.

What Does “Literally” Mean?

The Literal Definition

To say something happened literally means it actually happened—no exaggeration, no metaphor. If you say, “He literally ran a marathon,” that means he physically ran 26.2 miles. No jokes. No figure of speech.

Common Uses in Speech

People often use “literally” for emphasis:

• “I literally can’t even right now.”
• “That movie literally blew my mind.”

But in most of those cases, nothing exploded, and people can “even.”

What Does “Figuratively” Mean?

Figurative Language Explained

When something happens figuratively, it didn’t really happen—it’s a figure of speech, a metaphor, or exaggeration.

So when you say, “I figuratively died of embarrassment,” you’re using colorful language to express strong emotion, not describing a real event.

Examples in Literature and Speech

• “She has a heart of stone.” (Not literally.)
• “Time flew by.” (Time doesn’t have wings.)

How These Two Words Get Confused

The Rise of “Literally” Used Figuratively

In recent years, people have started using “literally” to mean “figuratively.” Strange, right?

Example: “I literally exploded with anger.” (Hopefully not.)

It’s technically incorrect, but this usage has become so widespread that dictionaries have begun to include it.

Pop Culture’s Role in the Confusion

Shows like Parks and Recreation and Friends popularized the exaggerated use of “literally” for comic effect. Suddenly, it became part of our everyday slang—even when it wasn’t, well, literal.

Why Misusing “Literally” Can Be a Problem

Impact on Communication Clarity

When you misuse “literally,” it can:

• Confuse your audience
• Weaken your credibility
• Cause others to second-guess what you really mean

How It Affects Credibility

People who value language might see your misuse as a red flag—especially in professional settings. Precision in speech = professionalism.

Examples: Literally vs. Figuratively

Everyday Situations

Sentence	Correct Use
“He literally turned green with envy.”	? (Figurative)
“The pipe literally burst under pressure.”	? (Literal)

Media and Social Media Use

Social media thrives on exaggeration. Just scroll Twitter or TikTok and you’ll find:

• “I’m literally obsessed with this song.”
• “This pizza is so good, I’m literally crying.”

Most of the time, it's figurative—even if it says “literally.”

When It’s Okay to Use “Literally” Figuratively

Informal Speech and Humor

If you’re joking or being dramatic with friends, breaking the rules can be fun. Just know your audience.

Creative Writing and Emphasis

In fiction or poetry, writers often bend rules for effect. It can add flair, but clarity still matters.

How to Choose the Right Word

Ask Yourself These Questions

• Did this actually happen? If yes, use literally.
• Am I describing a feeling or exaggeration? If yes, use figuratively.

Tips to Avoid Misuse

• When in doubt, skip “literally.”
• Use “actually,” “seriously,” or “truly” instead.

Teaching the Difference to Students or Learners

Fun Exercises

• Rewrite sentences: one literal, one figurative.
• Play a game: “Literal or Figurative?”

Visual Aids and Memory Tricks

• Use cartoons for idioms like “raining cats and dogs.”
• Memes work great for visual learners.

Historical Use and Evolution

Original Definitions

Back in the day, “literally” was reserved for things that were actually true or real.

Modern Shifts in Usage

Language evolves, and so has this word. Merriam-Webster now includes “used for emphasis even though not literally true.”

The Role of Dictionaries

Why Some Now Include Figurative “Literally”

Dictionaries reflect how people actually use words—not just what’s correct by old standards.

The Language Debate

Some say it’s the end of proper English. Others say it’s just evolution. Who's right? Maybe both.

Conclusion

So next time you’re tempted to say, “I literally died laughing,” stop and think: Did you? Really?

Using “literally” and “figuratively” correctly can sharpen your language, make your meaning clearer, and even save you from embarrassment.

Language is a tool—wield it wisely. ????

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can “literally” ever mean “figuratively”?

Technically, no. But many use it that way informally—and some dictionaries now recognize that usage.

2. Why do people misuse “literally”?

Because it adds emphasis or drama, even if it’s not technically correct.

3. What’s a good substitute for “literally”?

Try “actually,” “truly,” or “seriously” if you want to sound more precise.

4. Is it wrong to use “literally” incorrectly?

Not always, but it depends on context. In professional writing? Yes. In a TikTok caption? Probably not.

5. How can I teach the difference between literally and figuratively?

Use examples, visuals, and fun writing exercises to help learners see the contrast clearly.