Meaning & use

metaphorically

adverb·Academic

Last updated

In a way that uses a metaphor; not literally, but as a figure of speech.

See it in a sentence

When she said her heart was on fire, she meant it metaphorically.

He was, metaphorically speaking, drowning in paperwork.

A note on using this word

Often paired with 'speaking' (metaphorically speaking) to signal that a statement shouldn't be taken at face value.

Words with a similar meaning

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