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gooofy
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May 11, 2012
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Unpacking English, Bit by Bit
A community for questioning, nitpicking, and debating the quirks and rules of the English language.
Unpacking English, Bit by Bit
A community for questioning, nitpicking, and debating the quirks and rules of the English language.
Unpacking English, Bit by Bit
A community for questioning, nitpicking, and debating the quirks and rules of the English language.
Username
gooofy
Member Since
May 11, 2012
Total number of comments
1
Total number of votes received
0
Bio
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“Literally” in spoken conversation
Peter, the transition of "really" was real, but I don't know if it was debated at the time. The earliest meaning of "really" was "In reality; in a real manner. Also: in fact, actually" (according to the OED). Then later: "Truly, indeed; positively. In later use also as an intensifier: very, thoroughly." As far as I can see, this is the same transition that happened to "literally".