1530s, "in a literal sense," from literal + -ly (2). Erroneously used in reference to metaphors, hyperbole, etc., even by writers like Dryden and Pope, to indicate "what follows must be taken in the strongest admissible sense" (1680s), which is opposite to the word's real meaning and a long step down the path to the modern misuse of it.
We have come to such a pass with this emphasizer that where the truth would require us to insert with a strong expression 'not literally, of course, but in a manner of speaking', we do not hesitate to insert the very word we ought to be at pains to repudiate; ... such false coin makes honest traffic in words impossible. [Fowler, 1924]
实用例句
1. Until next payday, I was literally without any money.
到下个发薪日前，我真的没有一点儿钱了。来自柯林斯例句
2. To see my body literally wither away before my eyes was exasperating.
眼见自己的身体日渐衰弱真是让人心烦。来自柯林斯例句
3. Windsor Castle is quite literally an antique treasure trove.
温莎城堡确实是名副其实的古物宝藏。来自柯林斯例句
4. If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.
