Use literally to mean exactly what the words say, with no exaggeration (I literally ran five miles). Use figuratively to mean as a metaphor or exaggeration, not the literal truth (I was figuratively dying of embarrassment).
The Core Difference
“Literally” confirms that a statement is factually and exactly true, word for word, with no exaggeration: she literally won every race this season (she truly won all of them).
“Figuratively” signals that a statement is a figure of speech — vivid, exaggerated, or metaphorical language not meant to be taken as fact: I was figuratively drowning in paperwork (there was no real water, just a lot of paperwork).
- exactly true, no exaggeration → literally: she literally ran a marathon
- a metaphor, not factually true → figuratively: he was figuratively glued to his phone
Literally and Figuratively in Context
I literally forgot my keys this morning — they're still on the table.
He was figuratively on fire during the presentation, delivering it flawlessly.
She literally jumped for joy when she got the news.
The company is figuratively drowning in paperwork right now.
After the marathon, my legs literally could not move, and I felt figuratively like I had run a thousand miles.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| ✗ I literally died laughing (used loosely, not factually true) | ✓ I figuratively died laughing / I laughed so hard I nearly died | exaggeration, not literal fact |
| ✗ she figuratively ran the full marathon distance (fact) | ✓ she literally ran the full marathon distance | exact factual truth |
| ✗ we were literally drowning in emails (not real water) | ✓ we were figuratively drowning in emails | metaphorical exaggeration |
| ✗ he literally exploded with rage (not factually true) | ✓ he figuratively exploded with rage | metaphor for intense anger |
| ✗ the room was figuratively on fire when it actually caught fire | ✓ the room was literally on fire | exact factual truth |
LITERALLY = the LETTER of the truth — exactly, factually, word for word. FIGURATIVELY = a FIGURE of speech — a vivid image, not the literal fact.
Related Questions
- Literally vs Figuratively — full confusing-words comparison page with additional examples and exercises.
- All Confusing Words — browse all 300+ word-pair guides.
- All Questions — more quick-answer pages.
- Grammar Quiz — test your knowledge of confusing word pairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strict, traditional rule for literally vs figuratively?
“Literally” should only describe something that is exactly, factually true. “Figuratively” should be used for exaggerated or metaphorical language that is not meant to be taken as fact.
Is it acceptable to use literally for emphasis, as in I literally died?
This informal, hyperbolic use is extremely common in casual speech and increasingly accepted in dictionaries as an informal sense, but careful, formal writing avoids it because it technically contradicts the word's core meaning.
Why do dictionaries now include the informal meaning of literally?
Because language change is driven by widespread usage, and “literally” has been used as an intensifier (not meaning “exactly true”) so frequently and for so long that major dictionaries have added this informal sense, while still noting it as controversial.
Can figuratively be used to soften an exaggeration?
Yes — adding “figuratively” before a metaphorical statement clarifies to the listener that the words should not be taken as literal fact, which can help avoid confusion, especially in writing.
Is it correct to say figuratively speaking?
Yes — “figuratively speaking” is a common phrase used to introduce or follow a metaphor, explicitly signalling that the statement should not be interpreted literally.
Why does using literally incorrectly bother some people?
Because “literally” has traditionally meant “exactly true”, using it for obvious exaggerations (like “I literally died”) creates a logical contradiction that language purists find imprecise or even illogical.
Is there a real difference in meaning if I swap the two words?
Yes, a significant one — saying “I literally ran a marathon” claims a specific verifiable fact, while “I figuratively ran a marathon” suggests an exhausting effort that was not an actual 26.2-mile race.
Is this distinction commonly tested in formal writing assessments?
Yes — careful, precise use of “literally” (reserved for factual truth) versus “figuratively” (for metaphor) is valued in academic and professional writing, and examiners at higher levels (IELTS band 7+, CPE) look for this kind of precision.
What is a “figure of speech”, and how does it relate to figuratively?
A “figure of speech” is a phrase used for effect rather than its plain meaning, such as a metaphor, simile, or hyperbole; “figuratively” is the word you use to signal that language is being used as this kind of figure of speech, not with its literal sense.
Can literally and figuratively both appear correctly in the same sentence?
Yes — pairing them can sharpen a contrast, as in “The company literally went bankrupt overnight, and, figuratively speaking, its reputation crumbled with it”, where one clause states a verifiable fact and the other signals a metaphor.