Word usage is overtime. The creative evolution of language communication is almost always a beautiful art form. However, the word "literally" is being used more and more in the sense of "figuratively" or "metaphorically", which are antonyms of literally.
The great value of "literally" happens when describing something fantastic that actually happened. When the word has been diluted to mean its opposite, how will we be able to tell our audience that the bizarre thing we're describing actually happened?
Misuse of "literally" is my pet peeve, even as I know I'm powerless to stop it.
Comments by travler
Travler commented on the word literally
Word usage is overtime. The creative evolution of language communication is almost always a beautiful art form. However, the word "literally" is being used more and more in the sense of "figuratively" or "metaphorically", which are antonyms of literally.
The great value of "literally" happens when describing something fantastic that actually happened. When the word has been diluted to mean its opposite, how will we be able to tell our audience that the bizarre thing we're describing actually happened?
Misuse of "literally" is my pet peeve, even as I know I'm powerless to stop it.
January 7, 2017