Word Adverb
metaphorically
adv.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌmɛtəˈfɔɹɪkɫi/ UK /mˌɛtəfˈɒɹɪkli/ metaphor·i·cal·ly
Definition
adv.in a way that uses a comparison to describe something. You use this when you are not speaking literally but want to explain an idea using a different image.
adv.in a manner involving a metaphor; figuratively. Often used to describe speech or writing that uses symbolic language to represent abstract concepts.
Examples
“He spoke metaphorically about the challenges of the new project.”
“The poet used the rising sun as a metaphorically representation of hope for the future.”
“While the legal team debated the technicalities of the contract, the CEO spoke metaphorically about the company's journey through the storm of economic uncertainty.”
Etymology
From metaphorical + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated