Figuratively: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฃ๏ธ
figuratively
[ หfษชษกjษrษtivli ]
figurative language
Figuratively refers to the use of words or expressions in a way that is different from their literal interpretation. It is often used to convey deeper meanings, express ideas creatively, or to enhance the imagery of a statement. When something is said to be true figuratively, it means it conveys a particular concept or idea through symbolism or analogy.
Synonyms
allegorically, metaphorically, symbolically
Examples of usage
- She has a heart of gold, figuratively speaking.
- The world is your oyster, not literally but figuratively.
- He was running on fumes, which is figuratively describing his lack of energy.
- Figuratively, time is a thief stealing moments from our lives.
Translations
Translations of the word "figuratively" in other languages:
๐ต๐น figurativamente
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฒเฅเคฌเฅเคง เคฐเฅเคช เคธเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช bildlich
๐ฎ๐ฉ secara kiasan
๐บ๐ฆ ััะณััะฐะปัะฝะพ
๐ต๐ฑ przenoลnie
๐ฏ๐ต ๆฏๅฉ็ใซ
๐ซ๐ท au figurรฉ
๐ช๐ธ figurativamente
๐น๐ท mecazi olarak
๐ฐ๐ท ๋น์ ์ ์ผ๋ก
๐ธ๐ฆ ุจุดูู ู ุฌุงุฒู
๐จ๐ฟ obraznฤ
๐ธ๐ฐ obrazne
๐จ๐ณ ๆฏๅปๅฐ
๐ธ๐ฎ figurativno
๐ฎ๐ธ myndrรฆnt
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑะตะนะฝะตะปะตั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแขแแคแแ แฃแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mecazi
๐ฒ๐ฝ figurativamente
Etymology
The word 'figuratively' originates from the Latin word 'figurativus', which means 'representative' or 'descriptive', and was adopted into Middle English during the 15th century. The root 'figure' comes from Latin 'figurare', meaning 'to shape or form'. The adverb form 'figuratively' emphasizes that a statement is not intended to be taken literally but rather as a figure of speech. This distinction is crucial in literature and rhetoric, where language can convey complex ideas without precise truthfulness. Over the centuries, figurative language has evolved, allowing for rich and vivid expressions in both oral and written forms. As this concept gained prominence in the English lexicon, it became an essential part of effective communication, promoting creativity and imagination in conveying thoughts.