Since it’s widely accepted that the word “literally” can be used to add emphasis, we need another word that can be used when you want to make it clear that you really mean “literally” in the original sense.
Since it’s widely accepted that the word “literally” can be used to add emphasis, we need another word that can be used when you want to make it clear that you really mean “literally” in the original sense.
Unfortunately Merriam-Webster disagrees.
If you feel that it’s unfortunate, why take their side? I’ve found that no confusion is caused by using it the correct way. If any might be, it is at least in service of a noble cause.
Language evolves and, more ever than Merriam-Webster, the speakers and writers get to decide what words mean. While that does apply to you not wanting it mean that, you are swimming against the current in this case.
Linguistic drift happens over generations, this is just illiteracy
Swimming against the current is how all social progress is made.
Right, I’m aware of this and see nothing wrong with it.
Dictionary compilation is descriptive, not prescriptive.
They don’t “disagree” with anyone. They just report on how words are being used.
You can’t get into an argument with a dictionary, no matter how hard you try.