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

This part was all very theatrical, and when Clare wasn’t dealing with such a dreadful soul, he figuratively lived for this.

From Literature

There is tremendous scar tissue—literally, and figuratively, from past crises and recoveries—but he is by far the sport’s best known presence, a player who moves the crowds like no other.

From The Wall Street Journal

While William’s future appears more predictable than ever, Harry, a man who grew up in Kensington Palace and remains fifth in line to the British throne, today lives far from Britain, literally and figuratively.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even so, Storrie has to figuratively shine up a team of athletes who probably never watched his show in front of the millions of fans who ardently do.

From Salon

Luckily, he didn’t go through with it, becausea lot of TV figuratively dropped on his head anyway.

From Los Angeles Times