Figuratively

Origin

figurative + -ly

Full definition of figuratively

Adverb

1. (manner) In a figurative manner.
• 1897 available on WikisourceShepherd A word naturally of frequent occurrence in Scripture. ... This word is used figuratively to represent the relation of rulers to their subjects and of God to his people.
2. (speech act) Used to indicate that what follows is to be taken as a figure of speech, not literally.

Antonyms

• literally