Definition

Adverb 1. In a non-literal, metaphorical, or symbolic way: Used to indicate that a word, phrase, or statement is not meant to be understood according to its basic, literal meaning, but rather as a representation or comparison to convey a particular idea or image.

Usage

• The adverb "figuratively" is used to clarify that language is being used in a metaphorical or imaginative sense, not a factual or concrete one.
• It often precedes or follows a descriptive phrase to signal a non-literal interpretation.
• It is commonly paired with the verb "speaking" in the phrase "figuratively speaking."

Examples

• After the marathon, my legs were figuratively made of lead. (This means the legs felt extremely heavy, not that they were actually made of metal.)
• She has a heart of gold, figuratively speaking. (This means she is very kind, not that her heart is literally composed of gold.)
• The news that he won the award made him figuratively walk on air. (This means he felt extremely happy and light, not that he was physically floating.)

Advanced Usage

• "Figuratively speaking": A common introductory or concluding phrase used to explicitly mark a statement as non-literal.
  • Figuratively speaking, the company's new product set the market on fire. (The product was very successful, not that it caused an actual fire.)
• Contrast with "literally": "Figuratively" is often used in contrast to "literally," which means "in a strict, factual sense." The two words are opposites.
  • I was so embarrassed, I literally wanted to disappear. (This is an informal, emphatic use of 'literally' that is often criticized. A more precise statement would be: I was so embarrassed, I figuratively wanted to disappear.)

Variants and Related Words

• Figurative (adjective): Describing language that uses figures of speech; metaphorical.
  • The poet used figurative language to describe the sunset.
• Figure of speech (noun phrase): An expression, such as a metaphor or simile, where words are used in a non-literal way to create a vivid effect.

Synonyms

• Metaphorically
• Non-literally
• Symbolically
• Imaginatively

Antonyms

• Literally
• Actually
• Factually

Adverb

1. in a figurative sense
   • figuratively speaking,...