figuratively

/ˈfɪɡərətɪvli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɪɡjərətɪvli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfi-g(y)ə-rə-tiv-lē/ (ame, mw)

figuratively — adverb

1. using a word or phrase in a way that gives it a symbolic or imaginative meaning,

1.副詞B2
釋義

using a word or phrase in a way that gives it a symbolic or imaginative meaning, rather than its most basic dictionary meaning — for example, saying someone 'flew through the exam' when they did not actually fly but completed it very fast.

例句

When Sofia said she had a ton of work, she was speaking figuratively — her desk was messy but not literally weighed down.

figuratively speaking — contrasting with literal meaning

The coach told the team that they figuratively had to move mountains to win the championship this season.

figuratively + metaphorical verb phrase (move mountains)

同義詞
反義詞
  • literally

    directly opposite — means 'exactly as stated'

文法句型

figuratively speaking

figuratively + verb/adjective

用法筆記

Frequently contrasted with literally to clarify that an expression is not meant factually. In formal writing, use figuratively when a metaphor or exaggeration might otherwise be misinterpreted as a factual claim.

常見錯誤

❌I was literally dying of laughter' (when you mean you laughed very hard).
✅I was figuratively dying of laughter.
💡Use 'figuratively' for exaggerated or metaphorical expressions, not 'literally.'
❌He figuratively jumped out of the window' (in a literal escape scene).
✅He figuratively jumped out of the window' (expressing strong frustration).
💡Reserve 'figuratively' for non-literal, symbolic meanings.

2. in a style of visual art that shows people, animals, or objects with recognisabl

2.副詞C1
釋義

in a style of visual art that shows people, animals, or objects with recognisable real-world forms, rather than using abstract shapes or colours alone.

例句

Oluwaseun prefers to paint figuratively, capturing the exact posture of the dancers rather than expressing their emotions through abstract swirls.

paint figuratively — collocation in art context

The gallery's new exhibition moves away from figurative work; none of the sculptures are carved figuratively anymore.

同義詞
反義詞

文法句型

paint/sculpt/draw figuratively

用法筆記

Restricted to discussions of painting, sculpture, drawing, and other visual arts. The antonym in this sense is abstractly, not literally. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense has nothing to do with language or figures of speech.

常見錯誤

❌This novel is written figuratively' (meaning with metaphors).
✅This novel uses figurative language.
💡For literary style, use 'figurative language' as a noun phrase; 'figuratively' as an adverb in sense 2 is only about visual art.