Literalmente

Literalmente is the Spanish adverb meaning "in a literal sense" or "exactly as stated." It is used to indicate that something should be understood without metaphor, embellishment, or exaggeration, aligning with the primary, dictionary sense of the words involved. In common speech, it also serves as an intensifier to emphasize factual accuracy or immediacy.

Etymology and form: The word comes from Latin litteralis, which means "pertaining to letters" or "literal," itself derived from littera, letter. Spanish formed the adverb with the suffix -mente, yielding literalmente to modify verbs, adjectives, or whole clauses.

Usage and register: Literally is prolific in everyday Spanish and in journalism, social media, and literature. Examples include: "La puerta estaba literalmente abierta" and "Tomó literalmente diez minutos." It is also paired with idioms such as "al pie de la letra," meaning to do something exactly as written or specified. In many contexts, the adverb can function as a strong emphasis, as in "Estoy literalmente agotado," but purists sometimes criticize such hyperbolic use when the statement is clearly figurative.

Nuances and limits: When a statement is clearly intended figuratively, speakers may prefer phrases like "en sentido figurado" or avoid "literalmente" to prevent ambiguity. In formal writing, excessive use of literalidad as emphasis is often discouraged, favoring precise description instead.

See also: literal, literalidad, al pie de la letra.