metaphorically

[met-uh-fawr-ik-lee, -for-]

adverb

1. in a way that constitutes a metaphor, a figure of speech that refers to one thing in terms of another, suggesting a resemblance between the two.

   The native Romani word “drakhalin,” whose literal meaning is “grapevine,” is often used metaphorically to mean the internet.

2. figuratively speaking; not literally.

   We are metaphorically on top of the world over his success and look forward to his return.

3. as a symbol or emblem representing something else.

   In various biblical contexts, salt is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, value, and purification.

Other Word Forms

• nonmetaphorically adverb
• semimetaphorically adverb
• submetaphorically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of metaphorically¹

metaphorical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

This is a story of opening boxes, physically and metaphorically.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s easy to lose a spacecraft. That’s the weird, symbolic aspect of this. They’re our eyes to the cosmos. This is us metaphorically closing our eyes.”

From Los Angeles Times

His latest book, "Is A River Alive?," asks that question not metaphorically but urgently, inviting us to rethink our relationship with the natural world at a fundamental level.

From Salon

We have to start swinging hard against them — metaphorically, of course — and taking the fight to these people.

From Salon

The story took a metaphorically magical bent, focusing on music’s power to unite — and potentially summon a bear.

From Los Angeles Times