Word
figuratively
Phoneticsfig·u·ra·tive·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/fɪɡˈjʊɹətɪvɫi/
UK/fˈɪɡjʊɹˌeɪtɪvli/
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“He is figuratively speaking, not literally.”
contextual
“The team figuratively crossed the finish line, even though they were still miles away from the actual race track.”
complex
“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.”
Real-World Examples
“Equipping a model with a large context window comes at a cost, both figuratively and literally.” “Literally and figuratively, the judges have remained unmoved.” Etymology
From figurative + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/figuratively