figuratively
Etymology

From figurative + -ly.

Adverb

figuratively

  1. (manner) In a figurative manner.
    Synonyms: nonliterally, literally
    • 1897 Easton's Bible Dictionary available on Wikisource
      Shepherd A word naturally of frequent occurrence in Scripture. […] This word is used figuratively to represent the relation of rulers to their subjects and of God to his people.
  2. (as a sentence adverb) Used to indicate that what follows is to be taken as a figure of speech, not literally.
    Figuratively, the cat was out of the bag.
Antonyms Translations


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