figuratively

C2 Topic:Describing Qualities

US /fɪgˈjʊrətɪvli/ See IPA manual

Freq #26900

Meanings

1

adv
In a way that is meant as an image or comparison, not literally.

She was, figuratively speaking, walking on air after hearing the news.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 adv · in a way that is meant as... nonliterally

Opposites

literally

Etymology

From figurative + -ly.

Topics

Describing Qualities Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

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