figuratively

American  

[fig-yer-uh-tiv-lee] / ˈfɪg yər ə tɪv li /

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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Other Word Forms

• nonfiguratively adverb
• semifiguratively adverb
• unfiguratively adverb

Etymology

Origin of figuratively

figurative ( def. ) + -ly

Compare meaning

How does figuratively compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• metaphorically vs. figuratively

Example Sentences

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

“Mother Nature reigns supreme, both literally and figuratively.”

From The Wall Street Journal