Figuratively: meaning, definitions and examples

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figuratively

 

[ หˆfษชษกjษ™rษ™tivli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น figurativamente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคฒเฅเคฌเฅเคง เคฐเฅ‚เคช เคธเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช bildlich

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ secara kiasan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั„ั–ะณัƒั€ะฐะปัŒะฝะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ przenoล›nie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆฏ”ๅ–ฉ็š„ใซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท au figurรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ figurativamente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mecazi olarak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋น„์œ ์ ์œผ๋กœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุดูƒู„ ู…ุฌุงุฒูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ obraznฤ›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ obrazne

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฏ”ๅ–ปๅœฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ figurativno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ myndrรฆnt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะตะนะฝะตะปะตัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ”แƒขแƒแƒคแƒแƒ แƒฃแƒšแƒแƒ“

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mecazi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,144, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.