figuratively

[ fig-yer-uh-tiv-lee ]

adverb
  1. 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.

  2. by means of a figure, likeness, or emblem: In art and literature, the former kingdom was often figuratively presented as a woman.

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Origin of figuratively

1

Other words from figuratively

  • non·fig·ur·a·tive·ly, adverb
  • sem·i·fig·ur·a·tive·ly, adverb
  • un·fig·ur·a·tive·ly, adverb

Words Nearby figuratively

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use figuratively in a sentence