(4) LITERALLY. “Literally” refers to the most basic, straightforward meaning of something—as in, the opposite of “figuratively.” So, if you say “I was literally drowning in paperwork,” that means your body really was submerged in a pile of papers. If that’s not truly what happened, but you feel you must intensify your statement, try “positively” or “absolutely,” which add emphasis without making it seem as if your life was in danger.