What Does "figuratively" Mean?
- What it expresses: It is an adverb of manner that indicates a statement is not to be taken at face value. It signals the use of metaphor, hyperbole, or symbolism rather than a strict, factual description.
- What part of the sentence it typically modifies: It most frequently modifies a verb (describing the action) or an adjective. It can also modify a whole clause when set off by commas (e.g., "Figuratively speaking...").
- Register: Neutral to formal. While common in academic and journalistic writing, it is also used in precise speech to clarify intent.
How to Use It
- Typical sentence positions: It most naturally appears in the mid-position (between the subject and main verb) or final position. It is also frequently paired with its antonym "literally" for emphasis.
- What it modifies and how it changes the meaning: It alerts the reader that the words used represent a concept or analogy. For instance, saying someone is "drowning" figuratively means they are overwhelmed, not submerged in water.
- Grammatical flexibility: It can be fronted for emphasis (often as "Figuratively speaking,"). It can be used in questions and with negation (e.g., "not even figuratively true").
- What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using it to modify purely factual or mathematical statements where no metaphor exists sounds nonsensical.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from figuratively on Ludwig.guru.
"After fleeing a city that was literally under water, Ms Whites is now stuck in a home that is figuratively so." — economist.com
"The Arctic is the polar opposite of Antarctica, figuratively as well as literally." — economist.com
"And yet everything is viewed, figuratively speaking, from behind a window pane." — theguardian.com
"(88) We're now in a position to draw a distinction between literal comparisons and figurative comparisons, similes, that accords with the idea that to speak figuratively is to speak so as to stand corrected." — plato.stanford.edu
"I'm speaking figuratively, of course"." — theguardian.com
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/figuratively
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| metaphorically |
The closest synonym; specifically refers to the use of metaphors. |
| symbolically |
Used when an action or object represents an abstract idea. |
| not in a literal sense |
A more descriptive, slightly wordier alternative for clarity. |
| idiomatically |
Specifically refers to expressions that have a fixed, non-literal meaning. |
| parabolically |
Very formal; relates to the nature of a parable or allegory. |
Common Mistakes
- The 'Literally' Confusion: Learners often confuse it with its antonym 'literally', using it to add emphasis to a statement rather than to denote non-literal meaning. For example, saying "I figuratively died laughing" is correct, but many people mistakenly use "literally" in that context.
- Redundancy: Using it with metaphors that are already clearly understood can sometimes feel heavy-handed in creative writing.
- Positioning: Placing it too far from the verb it modifies can lead to ambiguity about which part of the sentence is metaphorical.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Function |
Register |
Typical Position |
| figuratively |
Denotes non-literal/metaphorical meaning |
Neutral/Formal |
Mid or Final |
FAQs
Where should figuratively be placed in a sentence for the best flow
The adverb usually functions best in the mid-position before the main verb or after the verb "to be." It can also be placed at the very end of a clause or at the beginning as part of the introductory phrase figuratively speaking.
What is the primary difference between figuratively and metaphorically
While often interchangeable, figuratively is a broader term that encompasses all figures of speech, including similes and hyperbole. Metaphorically is more specific, referring strictly to the use of a metaphor where one thing is described as being another.
Can figuratively be used to add emphasis to a dramatic statement
No, you should avoid using figuratively as an intensifier; its purpose is to clarify that a statement is an analogy. Learners often confuse it with its antonym literally, using it to add emphasis to a statement rather than to denote non-literal meaning.