What does figurally mean?
Figurally is an adverb meaning in the manner of a figure of speech, such as a metaphor or symbol, rather than in a strictly literal sense. It is used when explaining that words or images represent an idea, person, quality, or relationship indirectly. For example, saying that someone has a golden memory means that the memory is especially vivid, not that it is made of gold. Figurally can also introduce a broad or idealized interpretation: “Figurally, the journey stands for a search for meaning.” The word is formal but not obscure, and it is especially useful in literary criticism, symbolism, mathematics, and discussions of visual design. Although figuratively is more common in everyday use, figurally conveys the same basic distinction between representation and literal meaning. Because the term identifies a specific way of interpreting language or imagery, it can prevent a metaphor from being mistaken for a factual claim.
adverbIn a figurative manner; using a figure of speech, symbol, or analogy rather than a strictly literal meaning.
- Using figurative language or interpreting something symbolically rather than literally.
"The critic read the city's skyline figurally, as a portrait of its ambition and division."
"Her description of the fortress as a watchful guardian was meant entirely figurally."
"Figurally, the branching roads in the painting represent the protagonist's uncertain choices."
Figurally speaking, one picture can be worth a thousand words.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does figurally come from?
English figurally is an adverbial derivative built on the same Latin root as figurate. That root is Latin figurare, meaning “to shape” or “form,” which is connected with figura, meaning “form” or “shape.” The resulting English vocabulary includes figure, figurative, figuration, figurine, and figurally, with figurally emphasizing figurative or nonliteral treatment.
How figurally is actually used
Figurally is formal but fully standard, particularly in literary criticism, visual analysis, mathematics, and explanatory prose. It is less common than figuratively in everyday language.
Easily confused with figurally
Both words express the same basic meaning, but figuratively is the more familiar form in general use, while figurally is less common and often sounds more analytical or specialized.