figuratively

American  

[fig-yer-uh-tiv-lee] / ˈfɪg yər ə tɪv li /

adverb

1. in a way that involves or invokes a metaphor or figure of speech; metaphorically.

   Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated to remove darkness from our lives both literally and figuratively.

   We figuratively envision personal space as an aura or a soap bubble.

2. by means of a figure, likeness, or emblem.

   In art and literature, the former kingdom was often figuratively presented as a woman.

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Other Word Forms

• nonfiguratively adverb
• semifiguratively adverb
• unfiguratively adverb

Etymology

Origin of figuratively

figurative ( def. ) + -ly

Compare meaning

How does figuratively compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• metaphorically vs. figuratively

Explanation

The adverb figuratively describes something symbolic, not actual. If a friend invites you to tonight's concert but you already have plans with your family, you might say — figuratively — that your hands are tied. Something that's said figuratively isn't intended to be taken as the literal truth, but as a symbol of something, or as emphasis. Figures of speech are good examples of things people say figuratively, like "the book begged to be read," or "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" — not meant to be understood literally (you really don't want to eat that horse, do you?). The Latin word figurare, "to form or fashion," is the root of figuratively.

Example Sentences

“While we have that debate, we should de-escalate the rhetoric and tactics and try to have fewer explosions in fewer homes, figuratively and literally.”

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

I mean cool both figuratively and literally since the A/C is always blasting.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

While William’s future appears more predictable than ever, Harry, a man who grew up in Kensington Palace and remains fifth in line to the British throne, today lives far from Britain, literally and figuratively.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

It was about gathering — about making room, literally and figuratively, for the people who make up a life.

From Salon • Feb. 3, 2026

If you are figuratively jumping for joy, it means you are so happy that you could jump for joy, but are saving your energy for other matters.

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket