Is the use of the word 'literally' meant to intensify the original statement?

Answer: The word "literally" is often used to emphasize the truthfulness or accuracy of a statement by indicating that it is to be taken at face value, without metaphor or exaggeration. However, its usage has become somewhat contentious because it's frequently employed in situations where the statement may not be strictly true or where exaggeration is involved. In colloquial speech, "literally" is sometimes used more for emphasis or to add intensity to a statement, even if the literal meaning isn't entirely accurate. This casual usage has led to some confusion and debate about the proper use of the word.