Here are 12 words that have been so overused they really don’t mean anything anymore:
- literally: Originally meant "in a literal or strict sense," but is used as a more general intensifier for things that are not strictly true. Because of this, "in a figurative sense," the exact opposite of the original meaning, has now been added to the dictionary as a definition for literally.
- unique: Originally meant "unlike anything else," but is used to mean "different, to some degree, from the standard or the norm."
- awesome: Originally meant "causing feelings of fear or wonder," but is used as a general, positive descriptor like "great" or "cool."
- amazing: Originally meant "causing overwhelming surprise or astonishment," but is used as a general, positive descriptor like "great" or "cool."
- totally: Originally meant "completely, in every part," but is now used as a general intensifier, much like "really."
- basically: Originally meant "essentially" or "fundamentally," but is now used as general verbal filler.
- incredible: Originally meant "impossible to believe," but is now used as a general, positive descriptor like "great" or "cool."
- really: Originally meant "actually true," but is now used frequently as a general intensifier.
- very: Meaning "to a high degree," we all just need to stop using it in every other sentence.
- honestly: Originally meant "in an honest and genuine manner," but is now often used as general verbal filler.
- absolutely: Originally meant "in a complete and total manner," but is now used as a general intensifier.
- unbelievable: Originally meant "impossible to believe," but is now used as a general, positive descriptor.
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