What Does "metaphorically" Mean?
- What it expresses: It is an adverb of manner that indicates a statement should be understood figuratively rather than through the strict, primary meaning of the words. It signals a symbolic representation or an analogy.
- What part of the sentence it typically modifies: It most frequently modifies a verb (e.g., "he fell, metaphorically") or an adjective (e.g., "metaphorically compatible"). It can also function as a sentence adverb modifying an entire clause to set the interpretive framework.
- Register: Neutral to formal. It is common in journalism, academic analysis, and literary criticism, but also appears in careful speech to prevent misunderstanding.
How to Use It
- Typical sentence positions: It is highly flexible. It is most natural in the mid-position (after the auxiliary verb or before the main verb) or the final position to clarify a potentially confusing statement. When used in the initial position, it frames the entire following statement as figurative.
- What it modifies and how it changes the meaning: It shifts the listener's perspective from a physical reality to a conceptual one. Without it, a sentence like "He struck gold" implies a mineral discovery; with it, it implies success in a broader sense.
- Grammatical flexibility: It can be fronted for emphasis ("Metaphorically, the band...") and is frequently used in negation ("not even metaphorically"). It is often paired with its antonym in the phrase "literally and metaphorically."
- What sounds unnatural: Using it to describe a simple comparison that uses "like" or "as" (a simile) is technically imprecise, though common. It sounds redundant if the metaphor is already extremely clichéd and requires no clarification.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from metaphorically on Ludwig.guru.
"'I'm influenced by the blues and how those songs reek metaphorically of sex and wanting,' he says." — theguardian.com
"Metaphorically, the band didn't even fly first class, but that didn't stop armchair critics from complaining that Pomplamoose didn't deserve to get on the plane to begin with, those plane-taking wankers." — theguardian.com
"He entertained us with wit and whisky on his balcony, a literary Tiberius metaphorically tossing politicians, critics, and a good deal of contemporary literature over the balustrade and into the abyss." — theguardian.com
"My first question should, metaphorically, be a slow, long hop, which she hit for six." — theguardian.com
"Running rings around a distant planet ReprintsThe adults in question were guinea pigs—both literally and metaphorically." — economist.com
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/metaphorically
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| figuratively |
The most direct synonym; covers all non-literal language including similes and personification. |
| symbolically |
Used when an action or object represents a larger, often abstract, idea. |
| in a manner of speaking |
An idiomatic way to signal that a description is not precisely accurate but conveys the right idea. |
| proverbially |
Specific to instances where the speaker is referencing a well-known idiom or proverb. |
| not literally |
A simple, clear negative used to avoid confusion in informal contexts. |
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'literally': Many speakers use "literally" to add emphasis to a metaphor (e.g., "I literally died laughing"), which is the exact opposite of using metaphorically.
- Misapplying to similes: While often used interchangeably in casual speech, metaphorically should technically describe a direct substitution (calling one thing another) rather than a comparison using "like" or "as."
- Redundancy: Using the adverb when the context makes the figurative nature of the speech completely obvious can sometimes clutter the sentence.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Function |
Register |
Typical Position |
| metaphorically |
Signals figurative/non-literal meaning |
Neutral to Formal |
Mid-position or Final |
FAQs
Where in a sentence should metaphorically appear for the best flow?
The expression metaphorically is most effective in the mid-position (e.g., "he metaphorically burned his bridges") or at the end of a clause to clarify intent. Placing it at the beginning of a sentence is also common when you want to establish a figurative framework for the entire statement that follows.
What is the difference between metaphorically and figuratively?
While they are often used as synonyms, figuratively is a broader adverb that encompasses all figures of speech, including similes and hyperbole. Metaphorically specifically refers to a metaphor, where one thing is spoken of as if it were another thing entirely to highlight a shared quality.
Can metaphorically be used to describe a simile?
Technically, learners should avoid using metaphorically to describe a simile, as a simile is a comparison using "like" or "as" rather than a direct substitution. A common mistake is confusing it with literally or using it to describe a simple comparison when it should be reserved for describing a deeper, conceptual substitution of ideas.