Search Result for "figuratively": 
Wordnet 3.0

ADVERB (1)

1. in a figurative sense;
- Example: "figuratively speaking,..."


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Figurative \Fig"ur*a*tive\, a. [L. figurativus: cf. F. figuratif. See Figurative.] 1. Representing by a figure, or by resemblance; typical; representative. [1913 Webster] This, they will say, was figurative, and served, by God's appointment, but for a time, to shadow out the true glory of a more divine sanctity. --Hooker. [1913 Webster] 2. Used in a sense that is tropical, as a metaphor; not literal; -- applied to words and expressions. [1913 Webster] 3. Abounding in figures of speech; flowery; florid; as, a highly figurative description. [1913 Webster] 4. Relating to the representation of form or figure by drawing, carving, etc. See Figure, n., 2. [1913 Webster] They belonged to a nation dedicated to the figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form. --J. A. Symonds. [1913 Webster] Figurative counterpoint or Figurative descant. See under Figurate. -- Fig"ur*a*tive*ly, adv. -- Fig"ur*a*tive*ness, n. [1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

figuratively adv 1: in a figurative sense; "figuratively speaking,..." [ant: literally]