littéralement

literally

adverb lee-teh-ral-MAHN Rare

Usage Note

Littéralement is used both in its strict sense (word for word) and, like English 'literally', as an intensifier in informal speech. Purists object to the intensifier use, but it is extremely common in spoken French. The related adjective is littéral (literal).

Examples

"Il a littéralement explosé de rire."

Natural Translation

He literally burst out laughing.

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