adj
metaphorical
meh-tuh-FO-rih-kuhl
adj
1
Relating to or using metaphor; figurative rather than literal.
"She meant it in a metaphorical sense, not literally."
"The novel’s title is metaphorical, referring to more than just a house."
How to Use Metaphorical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFigurative rather than literal — meant as a comparison, not to be taken word-for-word.
Easily confused with
literal
Common pairings
metaphorical sense
metaphorical language
Word Forms
more metaphorical comparative, most metaphorical superlative
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She meant it in a _____ sense, not literally.