IXL | Explore words with new or contested usages

Which text uses the word terribly in its traditional sense?

Betty's car was running terribly before she took it to the mechanic for a tune-up.

Betty was terribly late to work this morning because her car broke down on the freeway.

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question

Which text uses the word literally in its traditional sense?

Mitchell's new kitten—barely three weeks old—was literally the size of a softball; it could just about fit in the palm of his hand.

Mitchell's new kitten—barely three weeks old—was literally just a ball of fluff in the palm of his hand.

key idea

Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner.

When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences.

Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam.

The traditional usage above is considered more standard.

David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages.

The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it.

solution

The first text uses literally in its traditional sense: in a factual, non-exaggerated way.

Mitchell's new kitten—barely three weeks old—was literally the size of a softball; it could just about fit in the palm of his hand.

The second text uses literally in its nontraditional sense: nearly or in effect (often exaggerated). Mitchell's new kitten is not actually just a ball of fluff.

Mitchell's new kitten—barely three weeks old—was literally just a ball of fluff in the palm of his hand.

Most style guides recommend to avoid using the nontraditional sense of the word literally because it is generally considered incorrect.

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