figuratively
adv. B2 Upper Intermediate US //fɪɡˈjʊɹətɪvɫi// UK //fˈɪɡjʊɹˌeɪtɪvli// fig·u·ra·tive·ly
adv. in a way that uses words to describe something, rather than using the actual thing. You use this when you want to say something is not literal.
adv. in a non-literal or metaphorical sense. Often used to distinguish between a symbolic or descriptive meaning and a literal one.
He is figuratively speaking, not literally.
The team figuratively crossed the finish line, even though they were still miles away from the actual race track.
While the author uses the phrase figuratively to describe the city's growth, the underlying economic data suggests a literal expansion of the urban core.
From figurative + -ly.