Understanding the Usage of 'Literally' and Its Verb Form 'Literalise'

The term literally is a linguistic feature that often causes confusion due to its dual nature: it can be used to emphasize the literal truth of an event or, ironically, to emphasize an exaggeration. Despite its common usage, it is important to understand the correct usage of 'literally' as an adverb, and the rare usage of its verb form literalise.

Can 'Literally' Be Used as a Verb?

Many people mistakenly believe that literally can be used as a verb, but in fact, it is not a verb. It is an adverb that describes a verb, rather than being a verb itself. This misconception arises from the frequent use of literally to emphasize an action, leading some to erroneously believe it functions as a verb. Here are a few examples to clarify:

Examples of 'Literally' as an Adverb

1. Literal Example:
RAM TOOK HIS WORDS LITERALLY.

2. Literal Example:
SHIKHA LITERALLY STARTED CRYING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ARGUMENT.

In these sentences, literally is used to emphasize the actions or reactions of the characters, rather than being a verb itself. It describes how Ram and Shikha behaved in a literal sense.

What is 'Literalise'?

The noun form of literally is literal,

The verb form is literalise. However, the verb literalise is extremely rare and often not used in everyday language. Its usage is mainly found in academic and specialized contexts, particularly in fields involving translation or cultural studies. Here’s a deeper look at literalise and how it might be used:

Rare Use of 'Literalise'

1. Academic Example:
They also literalise the artist’s mission to situate him within a complex political history.

In this example, literalise is used to describe the act of translating or representing the artist’s mission in a way that remains true to the original context and intent. It involves a process of translation or interpretation that aims to preserve the exact meaning or message of the original material.

Conclusion and Best Practices

Understanding the correct usage of literally as an adverb is crucial to avoid linguistic confusion. Similarly, recognizing that literalise is an extremely rare verb form helps in clear communication. Here are a few best practices:

Avoid Misusing 'Literally': Use literally to emphasize literal truth, not exaggeration. Avoid Using 'Literalise': Since it is rare, overusing or misusing it may lead to unintentional errors in communication. Choose Appropriate Words: For emphasis, consider using alternatives like exactly, perfectly, or truly to avoid ambiguity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How can I avoid confusing 'literally' with 'figuratively'?
A1: Use literally only when you are emphasizing the literal truth, and use figuratively when you are describing a metaphor or an exaggeration.

Q2: Can 'literalise' be used in everyday speech?
A2: No, literalise is mainly used in academic and specialized contexts, and its use in everyday speech is not common.

Q3: What are some other English words with dual meanings like 'literally'?
A3: Some other English words with dual meanings include 'well' (a measure of health or a manner), 'literally' (in a literal sense or as an exaggeration), 'figuratively' (in a symbolic sense or as a metaphor), 'side' (a part of a body or an aspect).

References and Further Reading

This article is a simplified guide and does not replace formal linguistic analysis. For a deeper understanding, you may refer to the following sources:

Macmillan Dictionary Oxford Learner Dictionaries The Free Dictionary