FIGURATIVELY

Pronunciation (US):

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does figuratively mean? 

• FIGURATIVELY (adverb)
  The adverb FIGURATIVELY has 1 sense:

1. in a figurative sense

  Familiarity information: FIGURATIVELY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FIGURATIVELY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a figurative sense

Context example:

figuratively speaking,...

Antonym:

literally (in a literal sense)

Pertainym:

figurative ((used of the meanings of words or text) not literal; using figures of speech)

 Context examples 

Pluto will be there to create sturdy foundations to your life, realistically, and figuratively.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

Taylor and his team demonstrate how their photochemical technique overcomes challenges presented by biological samples, and figuratively "tears down the fluorescent curtain."

(Cell chemistry illuminated by laser light, National Science Foundation)

Neither could he offer Jo his hand, except figuratively, for both were full.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Do you mean literally or figuratively?

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

If she had managed the victory at once, and he had yielded and sincerely laid his heart at her feet, I should have covered my face, turned to the wall, and (figuratively) have died to them.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I spoke figuratively.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

She rose early, and wrote her letter to Harriet; an employment which left her so very serious, so nearly sad, that Mr. Knightley, in walking up to Hartfield to breakfast, did not arrive at all too soon; and half an hour stolen afterwards to go over the same ground again with him, literally and figuratively, was quite necessary to reinstate her in a proper share of the happiness of the evening before.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

Within the shadow, I may figuratively say, of that religious edifice immortalized by Chaucer, which was anciently the resort of Pilgrims from the remotest corners of—in short, said Mr. Micawber, in the immediate neighbourhood of the Cathedral.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

John went to one window, unfolded his paper, and wrapped himself in it, figuratively speaking.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

It is your time now, little tyrant, but it will be mine presently; and when once I have fairly seized you, to have and to hold, I'll just—figuratively speaking—attach you to a chain like this (touching his watch-guard).

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)