How to pronounce literally
Say it like LIT-uh-ruh-lee. Literally has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce literally. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LIT
- uh
- ruh
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Literally pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of literally
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: LIT-uh-ruh-lee.
What does literally mean?
- in a literal sense“literally translated”“he said so literally”
- (intensifier before a figurative expression) without exaggeration“our eyes were literally pinned to TV during the Gulf War”
Where does literally come from?
From Middle English litteraly.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying literally
How do you pronounce literally?
Say LIT-uh-ruh-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɪtərəli/. In British English it is /ˈlɪtərəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in literally?
Literally has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIT). Broken into parts: LIT · uh · ruh · lee.
Is literally pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈlɪtərəli/ (LIT-uh-ruh-lee).