figuratively
(adverb) in a figurative sense; “figuratively speaking,...”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
figuratively (comparative more figuratively, superlative most figuratively)
(manner) In a figurative manner.
Used to indicate that what follows is to be taken as a figure of speech, not literally.
• literally
Source: Wiktionary
Fig"ur*a*tive, a. Etym: [L. figurativus: cf. F. figuratif. See Figurative.]
1. Representing by a figure, or by resemblance; typical; representative. 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.
2. Used in a sense that is tropical, as a metaphor; not literal; -- applied to words and expressions.
3. Ambounding in figures of speech; flowery; florid; as, a highly figurative description.
4. Relating to the representation of form or figure by drawing, carving, etc. See Figure, n., 2. They belonged to a nation dedicated to the figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form. J. A. Symonds. Figurative counterpointdescant. See under Figurate.
– Fig"ur*a*tive*ly, adv.
– Fig"ur*a*tive*ness, n.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
1 May 2025
(adjective) of or relating to an economy, the system of production and management of material wealth; “economic growth”; “aspects of social, political, and economical life”
Coffee dates back to the 9th century. Goat herders in Ethiopia noticed their goats seem to be “dancing” after eating berries from a particular shrub. They reported it to the local monastery, and a monk made a drink out of it. The monk found out he felt energized and kept him awake at night. That’s how the first coffee drink was born.
