metaphorically

[ met-uh-fawr-ik-lee, -for- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adverb

in a way that constitutes a metaphor, a figure of speech that refers to one thing in terms of another, suggesting a resemblance between the two:
The native Romani word “drakhalin,” whose literal meaning is “grapevine,” is often used metaphorically to mean the internet.
figuratively speaking; not literally:
We are metaphorically on top of the world over his success and look forward to his return.
as a symbol or emblem representing something else:
In various biblical contexts, salt is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, value, and purification.

How does metaphorically compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

“[It was basically] a room with no view,” as R metaphorically put it.

Like all good scripture, Me & Dog can be read literally as well as metaphorically.

We are all hired as the heads of the Urban Division metaphorically, because black people should be in charge of black stuff.

So Hamas returned to the old familiar terrain of launching missiles—a way to shake the ground, but metaphorically and physically.

Unruly Places is all about going off the map, metaphorically and physically.

“Fibrous” applies metaphorically to mental qualities; it means strong, sinewy—high talents, just below genius.

Hence, terms strictly applicable only to the government of the one, are metaphorically applied to the control of the other.

The shopman lays himself at the feet of his lady customers—metaphorically only, fortunately, Á los pies de V., Señora!

Sat sweating here, literally and metaphorically, from morn till dewy eve.

One and all metaphorically shook hands and made common cause together.

April 17, 2024axolotl

[ak-suh-lot-l ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse