figuratively

IPA/ˈfɪɡərətɪvli/
KK[fɪɡjˈʊrətɪvli]IPA/ˈfɪɡjərətɪvli/

figuratively — adverb

1. describing something by using a comparison, image, or exaggeration that is not l

1.副詞B2
釋義

describing something by using a comparison, image, or exaggeration that is not literally true — for example, saying 'I have a ton of homework' when you actually have a lot, but not a real ton.

例句

Luca said, figuratively, that his backpack weighed a ton with all the textbooks inside.

figuratively marks exaggeration; 'weigh a ton' as hyperbole

Hui was figuratively drowning in work, with five reports due before Friday.

figuratively + metaphor — 'drowning' is not literal

同義詞
  • metaphorically

    the closest synonym; emphasises the use of a metaphor specifically

  • symbolically

    broader — can refer to any symbolic meaning, not just verbal figures

  • allegorically

    implies a sustained extended metaphor, usually over a longer text

反義詞
  • literally

    the direct opposite — meaning exactly what the words say

用法筆記

Often used with 'speaking' (figuratively speaking) to clearly mark the following statement as a metaphor or exaggeration.

常見錯誤

❌I was figuratively so tired today' (vague — no clear metaphor).
✅I was figuratively running on fumes by the afternoon.
💡'figuratively' should precede a recognisable figure of speech, not a plain statement.
❌He literally and figuratively exploded' (mixed registers cause confusion).
✅He figuratively exploded with anger when he heard the news.
💡choose either literal or figurative, not both in the same image.

2. painting, drawing, or carving your subject so it looks recognisably like a real

2.副詞C1
釋義

painting, drawing, or carving your subject so it looks recognisably like a real person, animal, or object, rather than using abstract shapes or simplified forms.

例句

The art school teaches students to paint figuratively before moving on to abstract styles.

contrast: paint figuratively vs. abstract styles

Rania prefers to work figuratively, capturing human bodies in natural poses and everyday settings.

同義詞
  • realistically

    overlaps but 'realistically' is broader — can apply to any medium; 'figuratively' is specific to representing recognisable figures

  • representationally

    more technical art-term; very close in meaning but less common in everyday speech

反義詞
  • abstractly

    the opposite approach in art — using shapes, colours and forms without depicting recognisable subjects