What does figuratively mean?
Definitions for figuratively
ˈfɪg yər ə tɪv lifig·u·ra·tive·ly
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word figuratively.
Princeton's WordNet
figurativelyadverb
in a figurative sense
"figuratively speaking,..."
Wiktionary
figurativelyadverb
In a figurative manner.
Samuel Johnson's Dictionary
Figurativelyadjective
By a figure; in a sense different from that which words originally imply; not literally.
Etymology: from figurative.
The custom of the apostle is figuratively to transfer to himself, in the first person, what belongs to others. Henry Hammond.
The words are different, but the sense is still the same; for therein are figuratively intended Uziah and Ezechias. Brown.
Satyr is a kind of poetry in which human vices are reprehended, partly dramatically, partly simply; but, for the most part, figuratively and occultly. John Dryden, Juvenal, Dedicat.
ChatGPT
figuratively
Figuratively is an adverb that refers to speech or writing that departs from a literal or factual meaning in order to achieve a particular effect, often by using metaphors, analogies, hyperbole, or other forms of imaginative or symbolic language. It is used to convey an abstract or non-literal meaning related to the context or subject it is used with.
Suggested Resources
Figuratively
Literally vs. Figuratively -- In this Grammar.com article you will learn the differences between the words Literally and Figuratively.
Usage in printed sourcesFrom:
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Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of figuratively in Chaldean Numerology is: 5
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of figuratively in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2
Examples of figuratively in a Sentence
This is the ugly truth of America. It was there like literally and figuratively in black and white. We saw it. We see it daily, it shows what kind of America we live in now and what kind of America it will be with Trump at the helm.
There is palpably renewed energy in our relationship, I mean that figuratively and literally, ... We think that by cooperating with each other we can take it out more easily, we can market it better, to the betterment of both our societies.
Our southern border is no longer just about families coming to find a better life. The Biden administration has intentionally failed in its responsibility to protect the American people, and Texans have paid the price, both figuratively and literally. over the two years, Texans have spent over $3 billion dollars to secure our border. Per the Constitution, that is a federal function, and we owe Texans every penny they have paid. I am proud to stand with my fellow colleagues in filling the Lone Star Reimbursement Act. If the President won't do his job, Congress will.
I’m writingthis notas the prince I was born but as the man I have become.I’ve worn many hats over the years, both literally and figuratively, and my hope is that in telling my story — the highs and lows, the mistakes, the lessons learned — I can help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think, i’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share what I’ve learned over the course of my life so far and excited for people to read a firsthand account of my life that’s accurate and wholly truthful.
I ’m writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become, i’ve worn many hats over the years, both literally and figuratively, and my hope is that in telling my story – the highs and lows, the mistakes, the lessons learned – I can help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think.
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Translations for figuratively
From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary
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"figuratively." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 13 Feb. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/figuratively>.
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