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Webster 1828 Edition


Figuratively

FIG'URATIVELY

,
adv.
By a figure; in a manner to exhibit ideas by resemblance; in a sense different from that which words originally imply. Words are used figuratively, when they express something different from their usual meaning.

Definition 2024


figuratively

figuratively

English

Adverb

figuratively (comparative more figuratively, superlative most figuratively)

  1. (manner) In a figurative manner.
    • 1897 Easton's Bible Dictionary available on Wikisource
      Shepherd A word naturally of frequent occurrence in Scripture. [] This word is used figuratively to represent the relation of rulers to their subjects and of God to his people.
  2. (speech act) Used to indicate that what follows is to be taken as a figure of speech, not literally.

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