Are "literally" and "metaphorically" synonymous?

Asked Jun 08 '20 at 11:05

Active Jun 08 '20 at 13:16

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I sometimes hear people speak and they sometimes say "literally" or "metaphorically"... are these words synonymous?

edited Jun 08 '20 at 13:16

asked Jun 08 '20 at 11:05

Kvng Deen

Yes, on occasion. – Lawrence Jun 08 '20 at 11:18
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This being a text-only medium, I suppose I could say I'm literally speechless! *And* metaphorically? – FumbleFingers Jun 08 '20 at 11:26
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Does this answer your question? literally as a hyperbole ('he was literally as big as a house' ... Is this actually ... incorrect or can the word 'literally' be a hyperbole strengthening a metaphor?) Though nohat's answer at 'literally' and 'decimate' misuse? is excellent. – Edwin Ashworth Jun 08 '20 at 11:33
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Strictly speaking, they are antonymous - but see the above comments on literally. – Kate Bunting Jun 08 '20 at 12:19
I abhor the figurative or hyperbolic use of "literally" as cited above, and generally regard speakers who use it this way to be ignorant of either its meaning or their own intent. – RobJarvis Jun 08 '20 at 18:10

0 Answers0