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was literally

[wəz ˈlɪtərəli]
verb phrase
era literalmente
1. Indicating that something actually happened or is true in the most basic or strict sense, without exaggeration or metaphor
The building was literally on fire.
O edifício estava literalmente em chamas.
2. Used colloquially and informally for emphasis, though not always with strict literal accuracy
I was literally dying of laughter.
Eu estava literalmente morrendo de rir.
NYC Slang
was straight up
Synonyms
was actuallywas in factwas trulywas really
Antonyms
was figurativelywas metaphorically

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
era literalmente
Most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
era literalmente
Standard usage
Rio de Janeiro
era literalmente
Standard usage with colloquial emphasis common
Portugal
era literalmente
Standard usage, slightly more formal in speech

Related Idioms & Phrases

literally dying (of laughter)
literally screaming
take something literally
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