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.

---

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

Explanation

The adverb figuratively describes something symbolic, not actual. If a friend invites you to tonight's concert but you already have plans with your family, you might say — figuratively — that your hands are tied. Something that's said figuratively isn't intended to be taken as the literal truth, but as a symbol of something, or as emphasis. Figures of speech are good examples of things people say figuratively, like "the book begged to be read," or "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" — not meant to be understood literally (you really don't want to eat that horse, do you?). The Latin word figurare, "to form or fashion," is the root of figuratively.

Example Sentences

“While we have that debate, we should de-escalate the rhetoric and tactics and try to have fewer explosions in fewer homes, figuratively and literally.”

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

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 • Mar. 29, 2026

It was about gathering — about making room, literally and figuratively, for the people who make up a life.

From Salon • Feb. 3, 2026

Both literally and figuratively, you never know which Chelsea is going to turn up.

From BBC • Nov. 5, 2025

“He went to his death unreconstructed and unloved,” wrote Peter Chew in American Heritage magazine, “having left his mark literally and figuratively on many a stablehand.”

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand