Quick answer: Literally means in an exact, real, or actual sense — no exaggeration: I was so cold I literally couldn’t feel my fingers. Figuratively means metaphorically or not in a strict sense: I was figuratively dying of embarrassment. Literally is often misused for dramatic emphasis when figuratively is actually intended. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘literally’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Key Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| literally | adverb | actual fact — it really happened | She literally fell off her chair. |
| figuratively | adverb | metaphor — not physically true | She figuratively died of embarrassment. |
Using Literally
Literally tells your listener or reader that you mean exactly what you say — the event truly happened in a physical, real-world sense. It rules out any metaphorical interpretation and confirms the statement is not an exaggeration.
I was so cold I literally couldn’t feel my fingers.
The book is literally 800 pages long.
The cave was literally underground — we needed torches.
She literally ran five kilometres without stopping.
Literally as an Intensifier (Informal)
In informal speech, many people use literally simply to add emphasis, even when the statement is not actually true: “I literally died laughing.” This usage is very common but can cause confusion, especially in writing. In formal contexts, reserve literally for its strict meaning.
She was literally speechless — she couldn’t say a word. (strict: she truly could not speak)
I literally died when I saw the price. (informal emphasis; not actually true)
Using Figuratively
Figuratively signals that you are using language in a non-literal, metaphorical way. It is the grammatically correct adverb to use when you want to describe something through imagery or exaggeration rather than fact.
I was figuratively dying of embarrassment.
He figuratively moved mountains to finish the project.
She figuratively exploded with joy when she got the news.
The whole team was figuratively carrying him through the season.
Figuratively and Idiomatic Language
When you explain what an idiom or metaphor means, figuratively helps make the distinction clear: “He carried the whole team — figuratively speaking, of course.” The phrase figuratively speaking is a common and natural signal that what follows is a metaphor.
Common Mistakes
✗ I was literally on fire during the presentation. (unless you were actually burning)
✓ I was figuratively on fire during the presentation. (you performed brilliantly)
Tip: if the statement is not physically true, use figuratively.
✗ He moved mountains to get here. (ambiguous — reader may wonder if this is literal)
✓ He figuratively moved mountains to get here. (clearly a metaphor for great effort)
✗ It was literally the best day ever. (weakens the meaning of literally)
✓ It was the best day I have ever had. (stronger and cleaner in formal writing)
Tips for Remembering the Difference
- Ask yourself: Did this actually happen? If yes, use literally. If it is an exaggeration or metaphor, use figuratively.
- Think of literally as meaning “letter by letter” — take the words at face value.
- Think of figuratively as “figure of speech” — it is not meant to be taken at face value.
- In formal or academic writing, literally is a strong claim. Use it only when the event is verifiably true.
Also confusing: Accept vs Receive, Advise vs Advice, Already vs Yet. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Literally or Figuratively?
Four fill-in-the-blank questions — choose the correct word for each sentence.
1. “She was ___ speechless — she couldn’t say a word.”
2. “He ___ carried the whole team — metaphorically speaking.”
3. “The cave was ___ underground.”
4. “She ___ exploded with joy when she got the news.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between literally and figuratively?
Literally means in an exact, real, or actual sense — it describes something that genuinely happened. Figuratively means in a metaphorical or symbolic sense — it describes something that did not happen in a strict, physical way. For example: “She literally fell off her chair” (she really fell) vs “She figuratively died of embarrassment” (she was very embarrassed, but did not die).
When should I use literally?
Use literally when you mean something actually, truly happened without exaggeration: “The volcano literally erupted last night”, “I literally have no idea”, “The book is literally 800 pages long”. It confirms that you mean exactly what you say.
When should I use figuratively?
Use figuratively when you are using a metaphor or expression that is not meant to be taken at face value: “He figuratively moved mountains to complete the project”, “She was figuratively on top of the world”. It signals that the statement is not literally true.
Is it wrong to use literally for emphasis?
Using literally for emphasis (when you mean figuratively) is very common in informal speech and is accepted in many dictionaries as a second meaning. However, in formal writing and in ESL contexts it is better to reserve literally for its strict meaning to avoid confusion.
Can literally and figuratively be used together?
Yes, you can contrast them for clarity or humour: “He was literally, not just figuratively, shaking with cold.” This makes it explicit that you mean the real, physical thing rather than a metaphor.
What is a figurative expression?
A figurative expression is a phrase that uses language in a non-literal way, such as idioms, metaphors, and similes. Examples include “break a leg” (meaning good luck), “it’s raining cats and dogs” (meaning it’s raining heavily), and “she has a heart of gold” (meaning she is very kind).
Why do people misuse literally?
People often use literally as an intensifier to add dramatic emphasis: “I literally died laughing.” This is a hyperbolic, figurative use. It has become so common in casual speech that many speakers no longer notice the contradiction.
What is the adverb form of figurative?
The adverb form of figurative is figuratively. The adjective is figurative: “This is a figurative expression.” The noun is figure of speech or figurative language.
How do literally and figuratively appear in IELTS or academic writing?
In academic writing, literally is used to stress that something is true in a strict sense, while figuratively (or metaphorically) signals that an expression should not be taken at face value. Using literally where figuratively is meant can confuse the reader and lower your coherence score.
Are there synonyms for figuratively?
Yes. Synonyms for figuratively include metaphorically, symbolically, in a manner of speaking, so to speak, and loosely speaking. All of these signal that the language is not meant in a strict, literal sense.