figuratively

adverb

fig·​u·​ra·​tive·​ly ˈfi-g(y)ə-rə-tiv-lē 

: in a figurative way: such as

a

: with a meaning that is metaphorical rather than literal

Speaking of panic, I recently ran into (figuratively, not literally) a friend who was ranting about giant "bees" digging holes in his lawn.

—Ron Kujawski

Poor small-town America. During the last gasps of this fevered election, pollsters, zealous campaign foot soldiers and reporters are kicking down its doors, figuratively speaking …

—Doug Colligan

b

: in a way intended to represent the form or figure of something or someone having objective reality : in a way that is not purely abstract

Franz Kline, who had always painted figuratively, made his breakthrough in 1949 when he looked at one of his sketches in a Bell-Opticon magnifier, and saw the rough, thrusting horizontals and verticals that became the basis of his new abstract style.

—Calvin Tomkins

Examples of figuratively in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Every year, the Sports Power Brunch brings together the brightest minds, most fearless leaders, and unstoppable forces in sports to celebrate the women who are changing the game—literally and figuratively. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 11 Dec. 2024

The combination of complimentary food and drinks, a festive atmosphere and the rare opportunity to see co-workers in a more relaxed setting can be intoxicating—both literally and figuratively. —Jack Kelly, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Every year, Pantone declares the color of the next 12 months ahead: a hue to define the mood, set the tone both literally and figuratively. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2024

There are endless engagements and events to attend, many rules and protocols to follow, and lots of hats to wear, both literally and figuratively. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above