figuratively

Adverb

figuratively (comparative more figuratively, superlative most figuratively)

1. In a figurative manner.
   • TAIWAN, or Chinese Formosa, is considered a Foo or district of the province of Fokien, and is governed by a Taoutai extraordinary, who, though responsible to the provincial viceroy, possesses the privilege of memorialising the Throne direct. “The district of Taiwan,” says the Chinese Government...1864, Robert Swinhoe, “Notes on the Island of Formosa.”, in The Journal of the Royal Geographic Society of London, volume XXXIV, London: John Murray, published 1865, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 6
   • 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.1897 Easton's Bible Dictionary available on Wikisource

   Synonyms:

   nonliterally, literally

2. Used to indicate that what follows is to be taken as a figure of speech, not literally.
   • Figuratively, the cat was out of the bag.
   • Time can be consumed figuratively like food.