adv

metaphorically

Metaphorically (adv) means In a figurative rather than literal way. Example: “Metaphorically speaking, he was drowning in paperwork.”

adv

In a figurative rather than literal way.

"Metaphorically speaking, he was drowning in paperwork."

"She was, metaphorically, the glue holding the team together."

How to use metaphorically

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSpeaking figuratively, not literally.

Easily confused with

figuratively →

Common pairings

metaphorically speaking

more metaphorically comparative, most metaphorically superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

_____ speaking, he was drowning in paperwork.

literally

actually truly literally merely technically word for word figuratively

ally bally sally Wally dally rally tally pally really locally usually equally

What does “metaphorically” mean?

The word “metaphorically” means in a figurative rather than literal way. In plain terms, speaking figuratively, not literally.

How do you use “metaphorically” in a sentence?

Here is “metaphorically” used in a sentence: “Metaphorically speaking, he was drowning in paperwork.”

What is the opposite of “metaphorically”?

The opposite of “metaphorically” — its antonyms — is literally.

What part of speech is “metaphorically”?

“Metaphorically” is an adverb.

actually truly literally merely technically word for word figuratively