The word “literally” has been a subject of debate for centuries, with its meaning and pronunciation evolving over time. Traditionally, “literally” meant “in a literal sense, without exaggeration.” However, in recent decades, its usage has expanded to include a more figurative sense, meaning “in a very real or serious way.” This shift in meaning has led to confusion over how to pronounce the word, with some people pronouncing it with the stress on the first syllable (“LIT-er-ally”) and others pronouncing it with the stress on the second syllable (“lit-er-ALLY”).
While both pronunciations are technically correct, the pronunciation with the stress on the second syllable is more common in formal settings and is generally considered to be more precise. The pronunciation with the stress on the first syllable is more common in informal settings and is often used to convey a sense of exaggeration or emphasis. For example, someone might say “I was literally starving” to emphasize how hungry they were, while someone might say “I literally can’t believe it” to express their astonishment.
The Rise of “Literally”
The word “literally” has seen a surge in usage in recent years, particularly among younger generations. Its original meaning, “in a literal sense,” has been expanded to include a more figurative and emphatic sense, often used to express exasperation or incredulity. This shift in usage has been attributed to several factors, including:
The influence of social media: Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook encourage brevity and informality, which has contributed to the informal use of “literally.”
Increased use of hyperbole: In the realm of casual conversation, exaggeration and hyperbole have become more commonplace, and “literally” is often employed to heighten the impact of a statement.
The rise of irony: The ironic use of “literally” has become a common way to express sarcasm or disapproval. By using the word in a non-literal context, speakers can convey an underlying tone of skepticism or mockery.
The following table summarizes the key points regarding the rise of “literally”:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Social media | Encouraged brevity and informality |
| Hyperbole | Increased use of exaggeration |
| Irony | Ironic use to convey sarcasm or skepticism |
Pronouncing "Literally" According to Modern Usage
The pronunciation of “literally” has been a subject of debate for centuries, with proponents of both the traditional and modern pronunciations offering valid arguments.
1. Traditional Pronunciation
The traditional pronunciation of “literally” is /’lɪtərəlɪ/, with a strong emphasis on the first syllable. This pronunciation is still used by many speakers, particularly those in formal contexts.
2. Modern Pronunciation
In modern English, the pronunciation of “literally” has shifted towards /’lɪtrəli/, with a reduced stress on the first syllable. This pronunciation is more common in informal contexts and is often used to emphasize the figurative meaning of the word.
3. Variation
The pronunciation of “literally” can vary depending on the speaker’s region and social group. In some dialects, the word may be pronounced with a more pronounced “ih” sound, as in /’lɪtərilɪ/. In others, it may be pronounced with a more muted “uh” sound, as in /’lɪtərəlɪ/.
4. Figurative Use
In modern usage, “literally” is often used figuratively, to emphasize a point or create a sense of exaggeration. When used in this way, the pronunciation of “literally” is typically /’lɪtrəli/, with a reduced emphasis on the first syllable.
| Figurative Use | Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| “I’m literally starving.” | /’lɪtrəli/ |
| “This is literally the best day ever.” | /’lɪtrəli/ |
The figurative use of “literally” has become so common that it is now considered acceptable in all but the most formal contexts.
The Controversy Surrounding “Literally”
The word “literally” has been at the center of a heated debate in recent years. Traditionally, “literally” means “in a literal sense, without exaggeration or figurative language.” However, in common usage, it has often been used to emphasize or exaggerate something rather than to denote a literal meaning.
The “Really” Debate
Some argue that the non-literal usage of “literally” is incorrect and should be avoided. They maintain that “literally” should only be used to convey a literal meaning and that using it figuratively undermines its precision.
The “Usage” Argument
Others contend that the common usage of “literally” in a non-literal sense is acceptable. They argue that language evolves over time and that the meaning of words can change as they are used in different contexts. They believe that the non-literal use of “literally” adds emphasis or humor and is widely understood in contemporary speech.
The “Impact on Clarity”
Another concern is the impact of the non-literal usage of “literally” on clarity. Some argue that using “literally” figuratively can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. For example, saying “The car literally exploded” when the car actually caught fire could be misleading.
The “Stylistic Choice”
Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to use “literally” in a non-literal sense is a stylistic one. There are no hard and fast rules, and the appropriate usage depends on the context and intended meaning. In formal writing or situations where precision is paramount, it is generally advisable to use “literally” in its traditional sense.
The “Alternative Options”
If avoiding the controversy altogether is preferred, there are alternative words and phrases that can convey emphasis or exaggeration without using “literally.” These include:
| Alternative | Example |
|---|---|
| Figuratively | Figuratively speaking, I’m starving. |
| In a manner of speaking | In a manner of speaking, this meeting is a disaster. |
| Practically | I’m practically exhausted. |
When to Use “Figuratively” Instead of “Literally”
The words “literally” and “figuratively” are often confused. “Literally” means “actually” or “in a factual sense.” “Figuratively” means “not literally” or “in a symbolic sense.” Here are some examples to help you understand the difference:
| Literally | Figuratively |
|---|---|
| I was literally jumping up and down. | I was figuratively jumping up and down with joy. |
| The food was literally poison. | The food was figuratively poison to my stomach. |
| The car was literally totaled. | The car was figuratively totaled from all the damage. |
As you can see, “literally” is used when something is actually true or factual. “Figuratively” is used when something is not literally true, but is instead a metaphor or exaggeration.
It is important to use “literally” and “figuratively” correctly. Using “literally” when you mean “figuratively” can make you sound foolish. And using “figuratively” when you mean “literally” can lead to confusion.
Here are some tips for using “literally” and “figuratively” correctly:
- Use “literally” when something is actually true or factual.
- Use “figuratively” when something is not literally true, but is instead a metaphor or exaggeration.
- Don’t use “literally” when you mean “figuratively.”
- Don’t use “figuratively” when you mean “literally.”
- Be aware of the context in which you are using “literally” and “figuratively.” A word can be used literally in one context and figuratively in another context.
- If you are not sure whether to use “literally” or “figuratively,” it is better to err on the side of caution and use “figuratively.” It is more common to use “figuratively” incorrectly than it is to use “literally” incorrectly.
By following these tips, you can avoid making mistakes when using “literally” and “figuratively.”
Pronouncing “Literally” Correctly
1. Understand the Two Meanings of “Literally”
Literally can mean “actually” or “figuratively.” The pronunciation differs depending on the intended meaning.
2. Pronunciation for “Literally” Meaning “Actually”
When literally means “actually,” it is pronounced with three syllables: “lit-er-uh-lee.”
3. Stress the Second Syllable
The second syllable, “er,” is stressed. This means it is pronounced with a higher pitch or louder volume.
4. “Lit” Like “Lightbulb”
The first syllable, “lit,” is pronounced like the word “lightbulb.”
5. “er” Like in “Semester”
The second syllable, “er,” is pronounced like the word “semester.”
6. “Lee” Like in “Leeks”
The third syllable, “lee,” is pronounced like the word “leeks.”
7. Pronunciation for “Literally” Meaning “Figuratively”
When literally means “figuratively,” it is pronounced with two syllables: “lit-er-lee.”
8. Stress the First Syllable
The first syllable, “lit,” is stressed.
9. “Lit” Like “Litter”
The first syllable, “lit,” is pronounced like the word “litter.”
10. Detailed Phonetic Pronunciation for “Literally” Meaning “Figuratively”
Here is a detailed phonetic pronunciation for “literally” meaning “figuratively” using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA):
| Symbol | Sound |
|---|---|
| lɪ | lit like “litter” |
| t | t like in “stop” |
| ər | a schwa sound like in “about” |
| li | lee like in “leeks” |
How To Pronounce Literally
The word “literally” has two common pronunciations: /ˈlɪt(ə)rəli/ and /ˈlɪtərəli/. The first pronunciation, with the stress on the second syllable, is the more common and standard pronunciation. The second pronunciation, with the stress on the first syllable, is considered nonstandard.
Some people argue that the nonstandard pronunciation of “literally” is a relatively recent development, and that the standard pronunciation has always been with the stress on the second syllable. However, there is evidence that the nonstandard pronunciation has been in use for centuries. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary cites a usage from 1656 in which the word is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable.
Ultimately, the pronunciation of “literally” is a matter of personal preference. There is no right or wrong way to say it, and both pronunciations are considered acceptable.
People Also Ask About How To Pronounce Literally
What is the correct pronunciation of “literally”?
The correct pronunciation of “literally” is /ˈlɪt(ə)rəli/, with the stress on the second syllable.
How do you say “literally” in British English?
In British English, “literally” is pronounced /ˈlɪtərəli/, with the stress on the first syllable.
How do you say “literally” in American English?
In American English, “literally” is pronounced /ˈlɪt(ə)rəli/, with the stress on the second syllable.
