- Dictionary
- Word comparison: metaphorically vs. figuratively
metaphorically vs. figuratively
adverb
- in a way that constitutes a metaphor, a figure of speech that refers to one thing in terms of another, suggesting a resemblance between the two:
The native Romani word “drakhalin,” whose literal meaning is “grapevine,” is often used metaphorically to mean the internet.
- figuratively speaking; not literally:
We are metaphorically on top of the world over his success and look forward to his return.
- as a symbol or emblem representing something else:
In various biblical contexts, salt is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, value, and purification.
adverb
- in a way that involves or invokes a metaphor or figure of speech; metaphorically:
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated to remove darkness from our lives both literally and figuratively.
We figuratively envision personal space as an aura or a soap bubble.
- by means of a figure, likeness, or emblem:
In art and literature, the former kingdom was often figuratively presented as a woman.