figuratively

Everyday

1. In a figurative way, not with the plain word-for-word meaning. tree →
2. Used in the phrase «figuratively speaking» to show you are using an image, not a fact. tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons it helps explain idioms and metaphors: «figuratively, he is a lion» means he is brave. It is the opposite of «literally». Phrases: figuratively speaking, both literally and figuratively.

Examples

• Figuratively speaking, my brain is full after that test. tree →
• «She is a shining star» is meant figuratively. tree →
• He was figuratively walking on air after the win. tree →
• The climbers reached the top, both literally and figuratively. tree →
• When Mum says the house is a zoo, she means it figuratively. tree →
• Can you explain this sentence figuratively and literally? tree →

Note

Opposite: literally. A common mistake is to say «literally» when you mean «figuratively». Spelling: figurative + -ly.