literally beautiful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "literally beautiful" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to emphasize the degree of beauty in something. For example, you might write, "The view from the top of the mountain was literally beautiful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The bourbon selection is literally beautiful to look at (even if you don't like bourbon), and one shelf of wines is put together solely because they all have a cat or dog on the label.

The New York Times - Travel

Alberobello, literally "beautiful tree," was once a forest, and the first settlers were debtors, petty criminals and other fugitives from the feudal order who hid away in "silvam arboris belli," the woods.

The New York Times - Travel

Kalyanasundara (, literally "beautiful marriage"), also spelt as Kalyansundar and Kalyana Sundara, and known as Kalyanasundara-murti ("icon of the beautiful marriage"), Vaivahika-murti (वैवाहिक-मूर्ति, "nuptial icon") and Panigrahana-murti ("icon related to panigrahana ritual"), is the iconographical depiction of the wedding of the Hindu deities Shiva and Parvati.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Underneath (literally) its beautiful exterior, you will be spoiled for choice with the selection of bars and nightclubs on offer.

Independent

Though the kids seem almost feral at times, the family meshes well, literally making beautiful music together by the campfire.

The Guardian - Film

What you wear on the bike is such an important part of cycling culture in Italy, there is even an expression to embody it – bella in sella, which literally means "beautiful in the saddle".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We even survived each other on the Cape Brett walk, a torturous and literally breathtakingly beautiful hike.

Huffington Post

When you prune a bush, the plant grows back bigger, more lush, and healthier; it literally sprouts beautiful new growth.

Huffington Post

The words she used were "dichte und schöne", literally "dense and beautiful", but well-sealed and nice catches it better.

Independent

In chapter thirty-three, Pip greets his longed-for ideal, the beautiful, literally heartbreaking Estella, at a coach station in London.

The New Yorker

"It's simple and pure — it's literally the most beautiful thing I've ever seen on a stage, hands down," she said about "Once," a folksy Irish production.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "literally beautiful" to emphasize the visual impact of something. It is most effective when describing tangible, visible subjects, such as landscapes, art, or physical appearances.

Common error

Avoid using "literally beautiful" to describe abstract concepts or emotions. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound less precise. Opt for more nuanced language when describing non-physical beauty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "literally beautiful" functions as an intensifier combined with an adjective. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s used to emphasize that something possesses beauty in a very real and undeniable way. Examples in Ludwig show this usage in describing tangible things like a bourbon selection or a hike.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "literally beautiful" is grammatically correct and functions to emphasize the genuine visual appeal of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, though its impact depends on the context. While most examples come from News & Media, it also appears in other sources. The phrase should be used to describe tangible, visible things and avoided for abstract concepts. Consider alternatives like "absolutely gorgeous" or "truly stunning" to convey similar emphasis. The register is generally neutral, and when used correctly, it effectively highlights the striking beauty of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely gorgeous

Intensifies the beauty with a stronger emphasis on visual appeal.

truly stunning

Highlights the striking and impressive nature of the beauty.

genuinely exquisite

Focuses on the refined and delicate qualities of the beauty.

utterly breathtaking

Emphasizes the awe-inspiring and overwhelming aspect of the beauty.

remarkably lovely

Indicates that the beauty is noteworthy and pleasing.

veritably radiant

Highlights a glowing or shining quality of beauty.

positively divine

Suggests that the beauty is almost heavenly or godlike.

unquestionably attractive

Asserts that the beauty is beyond doubt or debate.

undeniably gorgeous

Stresses the irrefutable nature of the beauty.

plainly magnificent

Emphasizes the grandeur and splendor of the beauty in a straightforward manner.

FAQs

How can I use "literally beautiful" in a sentence?

You can use "literally beautiful" to describe something with striking visual appeal. For example, "The sunset over the ocean was "literally beautiful"".

What does "literally beautiful" mean?

"Literally beautiful" means that something is not just metaphorically or figuratively beautiful, but genuinely and undeniably beautiful in a tangible way.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "literally beautiful"?

Avoid using "literally beautiful" for abstract ideas or emotions, as it is best suited for describing physical appearances or visual scenes. Using it incorrectly can dilute its emphasis.

What phrases are similar to "literally beautiful"?

Alternatives include "absolutely gorgeous", "truly stunning", or "genuinely exquisite", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.