A controversy surrounds the meaning of the word "literally." Its definitions include both "actually; without exaggeration or error" and "in effect; virtually."
"He was laughing so hard that he literally had a heart attack and died. The funeral is tomorrow."
In this sentence, the use of "literally" indicates that, actually and without exaggeration, he died. It provides information to avoid confusion, because the exaggeration "had a heart attack and died" is often used figuratively for emphasis.
"I was laughing so hard that I literally had a heart attack and died."
In this sense, "literally" is used figuratively to mean "virtually." This contradiction in meaning is pure hyperbole used for intensive effect, but some people reject this less traditional use of "literally" entirely.
- Read Celebrity Quotes that contain "literally": 1
