The adverb figuratively describes something symbolic, not actual. If a friend invites you to tonight's concert but you already have plans with your family, you might say — figuratively — that your hands are tied.
How do you use figuratively in a sentence?
Using Figuratively in a Sentence
- His face turned as red as a beet, figuratively speaking of course.
- Don't be scared! When I said I wanted to kill you I was speaking figuratively. What I literally meant was that I was very angry at you. That's all.
What does it mean to say something figuratively?
English Language Learners Definition of figuratively
: in a figurative way : with a meaning that is different from the basic or literal meaning and that expresses an idea by using language that usually describes something else.
