Literally - an overused word?

Is the word literally overused?
And how many syllables does the word literally have?

In this video we compare three different meanings of literally:
1. in a literal way, so with the exact meaning of the words you're using
2. literally meaning 'really' or in 'truth'
3. literally meaning virtually, when it's used to exaggerate for effect

Meaning 3 is an example of hyperbole, and it contradicts meaning 1. So literally has opposite meanings.
Many people feel literally shouldn't be used with meaning 3.

However many great writers in English literature have used literally for dramatic effect.

Also, literally is not the only English word that has two opposite meanings. We also look at the word wicked which can mean very good and very bad, and the verb to dust meaning to remove or to apply dust.


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