literally
含义: In a literal sense; exactly as stated (also used for emphasis)
Literally means in the exact, primary sense of a word, not figuratively or metaphorically. However, in informal speech, it's widely used for emphasis to exaggerate, as in 'I'm literally dying of embarrassment' (not actually dying). This informal usage, though common, is considered incorrect by traditionalists.
例句
- The word 'television' literally means 'seeing from a distance. television'这个词字面意思是'远距离观看'。La palabra «television» significa literalmente «ver desde la distancia».「television」という言葉は文字通り「遠くから見る」という意味です。television'이라는 단어는 문자 그대로 '멀리서 보다'라는 뜻입니다.
- There were literally thousands of people at the concert. 音乐会上确实有数千人。Literalmente había miles de personas en el concierto.コンサートには文字通り何千人もの人がいました。콘서트에는 정말 수천 명의 사람들이 있었습니다.
- I was so tired I could literally fall asleep standing up. 我太累了,真的可以站着睡着。Estaba tan cansado que literalmente podía quedarme dormido de pie.疲れすぎて、本当に立ったまま眠れそうでした。너무 피곤해서 정말로 서서 잠들 수 있을 것 같았습니다.
发音
用法指南
语境: general
语气: neutral
起源与历史
From 'literal' + '-ly'. 'Literal' comes from Latin 'litteralis' meaning 'of or pertaining to letters', from 'littera' (letter, character). The informal intensifier use ('I literally died') has been criticised since the 1800s but is increasingly accepted.
文化背景
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
故事与趣闻
The informal emphatic use of 'literally' to mean 'virtually' or 'figuratively' has become so common that many dictionaries now include it as a secondary definition, despite purists' objections.
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