Meaning & use
figuratively
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Meanings
adverbnot comparable
In a way that uses an image or comparison instead of the plain, exact meaning of the words.
Grammar: Modifies a verb or phrase: figuratively speaking; the opposite of literally.
Patterns
- figuratively speaking
- used figuratively
When she said she was drowning in work, she meant it figuratively.
The word is often used figuratively to describe a sudden change.
Figuratively speaking, the company has been walking a tightrope.
adverbnot comparableformal
In the sense of a symbol or representation rather than reality.
Grammar: Used about art and writing: the painting figuratively shows peace.
Patterns
- figuratively represent something
The statue figuratively represents freedom.
The poem figuratively turns the sea into a mother.
The artist figuratively shows grief as a gray cloud.
Common combinations
- figuratively speaking
- Figuratively speaking, he was on top of the world.
- used figuratively
- The word bridge is often used figuratively.
- mean figuratively
- I mean it figuratively, not literally.
- literally or figuratively
- He was in the dark, literally or figuratively.
- understood figuratively
- The phrase should be understood figuratively.
Synonyms and how they differ
- metaphorically
- Metaphorically is narrower and points to a metaphor, while figuratively covers any non-literal image.
- symbolically
- Symbolically stresses standing for an idea, rather than loosely using an image.
- in a manner of speaking
- This phrase is more casual and often softens a claim.
- loosely
- Loosely means not exactly, but it does not suggest a picture or comparison.
Opposites
Word family
- figurative adjective
- using words in a non-literal way
- figure of speech noun
- an expression used with a non-literal meaning
- figure noun
- a shape, number or person; also a pattern of speech
Commonly confused: figuratively or literally?
figuratively vs literally
Literally means exactly as the words say, and is the opposite of figuratively, though many speakers use it for emphasis.
Practice
When he said his heart was breaking, he meant it ___, not as a medical fact.
Choose one answer.
Figuratively means as an image or comparison. Literally, physically and actually would suggest it was real.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “figuratively”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.