figuratively
Americanadverb
-
in a way that involves or invokes a metaphor or figure of speech; metaphorically.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated to remove darkness from our lives both literally and figuratively.
We figuratively envision personal space as an aura or a soap bubble.
-
by means of a figure, likeness, or emblem.
In art and literature, the former kingdom was often figuratively presented as a woman.
Other Word Forms
- nonfiguratively adverb
- semifiguratively adverb
- unfiguratively adverb
Etymology
Origin of figuratively
Compare meaning
How does figuratively compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Luckily, he didn’t go through with it, becausea lot of TV figuratively dropped on his head anyway.
From Los Angeles Times
Looking down on her, literally and figuratively, I asked if she was enjoying the book.
From Literature
It was about gathering — about making room, literally and figuratively, for the people who make up a life.
From Salon
“If the current episode echoes those past peaks, silver faces an uphill battle, both literally and figuratively, to reclaim its all-time high,” Bauer wrote.
From Barron's
Time and again, Australia were put on the back foot – figuratively and literally.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
