DictionaryAI

figuratively

adverb
USFIG-yur-uh-tiv-lee/ˈfɪɡjɚətɪvli/UKFIG-uh-ruh-tiv-lee/ˈfɪɡəɹətɪvli/

Often confused with literally

2 meanings of figuratively

Practice

  1. 1
    adverb
    In a way that uses words to paint a picture, not to give their exact meaning.

    When Dad says he is drowning in work, he is speaking figuratively.

    Our teacher explained that the storm in the song is meant figuratively.

    Similarnonliterally

    Oppositeliterally

    Note
  2. 2
    adverb
    Used to show that the next words are a way of speaking, not meant as real fact.

    Figuratively, my little brother is a bottomless pit at dinner.

    After the test, I was, figuratively speaking, on top of the world.

    Similarmetaphorically

    Oppositeliterally

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of figuratively apart? Answer 2 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From figurative + -ly.