Have you ever heard someone say, “I literally died laughing,” even though they were clearly alive? If so, you’ve encountered one of the most common language debates: figuratively vs literally. These two words are often confused, misused, and even argued about in everyday conversations.
Understanding the difference can help you communicate more clearly and avoid misunderstandings. In this guide, we’ll explore the meanings of both terms, how they differ, when to use them, and plenty of practical examples that make the distinction easy to remember.
What Does Literally Mean?
The word literally refers to something that is true exactly as stated, without exaggeration, symbolism, or interpretation.
When you use literally, you mean the words should be taken in their exact and factual sense.
Examples of Literally
- The glass literally shattered when it hit the floor.
- She literally ran five miles this morning.
- The building literally caught fire during the storm.
In each example, the statement describes an actual event that occurred exactly as described.
Key Characteristics of Literally
- Fact-based
- Exact meaning
- No exaggeration
- No symbolism or imagery
What Does Figuratively Mean?
Figuratively means expressing something through figures of speech, exaggeration, symbolism, or non-literal language.
The statement is not meant to be taken as a factual description. Instead, it is used to create emphasis, emotion, or imagery.
Examples of Figuratively
- I was figuratively buried in paperwork.
- She has a heart of gold.
- The classroom was a zoo.
These statements are not literally true. They use imagery and comparison to communicate a feeling or idea.
Key Characteristics of Figuratively
- Uses figurative language
- Includes metaphors, similes, and hyperbole
- Creates vivid imagery
- Not intended as a factual statement
Figuratively vs Literally Meaning
The simplest way to understand figuratively vs literally meaning is this:
- Literally = exactly true.
- Figuratively = not exactly true, but used for emphasis or creative expression.
Consider this example:
Literal statement:
“The backpack weighs 20 pounds.”
Figurative statement:
“The backpack weighs a ton.”
The second sentence exaggerates the weight for effect. Nobody believes the backpack actually weighs a ton.
Why People Confuse These Words
The confusion largely comes from modern conversational English. Many people use “literally” to add emphasis, even when the statement is clearly impossible.
For example:
- I literally exploded with excitement.
- I literally froze when I saw the spider.
These expressions are often used informally, even though they are technically figurative.
Because of this widespread usage, dictionaries have acknowledged that “literally” can sometimes function as an intensifier in casual speech. However, in formal writing, it is still best to use the word according to its traditional meaning.
Figuratively vs Literally Examples
Looking at side-by-side examples makes the distinction easier.
Example 1
Literal: The river overflowed its banks after heavy rain.
Figurative: My inbox overflowed with emails.
The first describes a real event. The second uses imagery to describe receiving many emails.
Example 2
Literal: The athlete broke his leg during the game.
Figurative: The comedian broke the audience.
The audience wasn’t physically broken. The phrase means people laughed intensely.
Example 3
Literal: She climbed a mountain during her vacation.
Figurative: She climbed a mountain of responsibilities.
The second statement uses a metaphor to describe a large workload.
Common Figures of Speech That Use Figurative Language
Figurative language appears in many forms.
Metaphors
A metaphor directly compares one thing to another.
Examples:
- Time is money.
- Life is a journey.
Similes
A simile compares using “like” or “as.”
Examples:
- Busy as a bee.
- Strong like an ox.
Hyperbole
Hyperbole uses intentional exaggeration.
Examples:
- I’ve told you a million times.
- I’m starving to death.
Personification
Personification gives human qualities to non-human things.
Examples:
- The wind whispered through the trees.
- The sun smiled down on us.
Figuratively vs Literally vs Metaphorically
Many people also wonder about figuratively vs literally vs metaphorically.
Although figuratively and metaphorically are related, they are not identical.
Literally
Describes something exactly as it happened.
Example:
- The dog slept on the couch.
Figuratively
Includes all forms of non-literal language.
Example:
- The dog was a couch potato.
Metaphorically
Specifically refers to language that uses metaphors.
Example:
- The office was a battlefield.
A metaphor is one type of figurative language, but figurative language includes many other techniques such as similes, hyperbole, and personification.
When Should You Use Literally?
Use literally when:
- Describing facts
- Reporting real events
- Giving precise information
- Avoiding ambiguity
Examples:
- The package literally arrived at noon.
- He literally owns three houses.
- The machine literally stopped working.
Using literally correctly adds clarity and credibility to your writing.
When Should You Use Figuratively?
Use figuratively when:
- Creating vivid descriptions
- Writing creatively
- Emphasizing emotions
- Making communication more engaging
Examples:
- Her smile lit up the room.
- The news hit me like a truck.
- We were drowning in assignments.
These expressions help readers visualize ideas more effectively.
Tips to Remember the Difference
If you’re unsure which word to use, ask yourself these questions:
- Did the event actually happen exactly as described?
- If yes, use literally.
- Am I exaggerating or creating imagery?
- If yes, use figuratively.
- Would the statement be impossible if taken at face value?
- If yes, it is probably figurative language.
A simple memory trick is:
Literal = Real
Figurative = Imaginative
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Literally for Obvious Exaggerations
Incorrect:
- I literally jumped to the moon.
Correct:
- I figuratively jumped to the moon with excitement.
Mixing Literal and Figurative Meanings
Make sure readers can easily understand whether you’re stating a fact or using an expression.
Overusing Intensifiers
Using literally too often can weaken your writing and make important statements less impactful.
FAQs
What is the difference between figuratively and literally?
Literally means something happened exactly as stated, while figuratively means the statement uses imagery, exaggeration, or symbolism rather than a factual description.
Can literally be used for emphasis?
In informal speech, many people use literally as an intensifier. However, in formal writing, it is generally best to reserve it for situations that are factually true.
Is a metaphor literal or figurative?
A metaphor is a form of figurative language because it compares things symbolically rather than literally.
Why do people say “I literally died laughing”?
This is a common exaggeration used for emphasis. The speaker does not mean they actually died; they are expressing that something was extremely funny.
Is figuratively the opposite of literally?
In most contexts, yes. Literally refers to exact reality, while figuratively refers to non-literal or symbolic meaning.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between figuratively vs literally can make your communication clearer, stronger, and more effective. Literally refers to facts and exact meanings, while figuratively relies on imagery, comparison, and creative expression. Knowing when to use each helps prevent confusion and improves both writing and conversation.
The next time you hear someone say they “literally exploded with excitement,” you’ll know whether they mean it as a fact—or simply as a colorful figure of speech. Continue exploring language nuances and word comparisons to sharpen your grammar skills and become a more confident communicator.