Tuesday, August 05, 2014

According to the dictionary, “literally” now also means “figuratively”

According to the dictionary, “literally” now also means “figuratively” - Salon.com:

"Webster’s first definition of literally is, “in a literal sense or matter; actually.”
Its second definition is, “in effect; virtually.” 
In addressing this seeming contradiction, its authors comment:
“Since some people take sense 2 to be the opposition of sense 1, it has been frequently criticized as a misuse. 
Instead, the use is pure hyperbole intended to gain emphasis, but it often appears in contexts where no additional emphasis is necessary.”
So it’s okay to use literally to mean figuratively as long as you really, really, really need to do so?
Hmph."

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