what does "he was literally struck dumb" mean?

[Ann Nguyen]

Hello,

Could you please tell me the meaning of this sentence:

"He was literally struck dumb"

Many thanks.

[Alan]

Hi,

'Dumb' means unable to speak. 'Be struck dumb' means 'suddenly be made dumb by some outer or inner force'. The addition of 'literally' has the sense that something actually, in fact happened. Back to your sentence -

[Ann Nguyen]

Thank Alan,

You are so helpful, after posting this question a few minutes, I have received your answer.

[Haihao]

He was stuned.

[Ralf]

[Haihao]

O yes. Thank you, Ralf.

[Ann Nguyen]

You're stunned too, Ralf.