metaphorically

adverb

met·a·phor·i·cal·ly | \ ˌme-tə-ˈfȯr-i-k(ə-)lē

How to pronounce metaphorically (audio)

, -ˈfär-\

Definition of metaphorically

: in a metaphorical or figurative sense rather than a literal sense : by using a metaphor At the center of every encryption system is a secret number or mathematical operation, metaphorically referred to as a key.— Peter Wayner At a typical event, he comes crashing onstage, delivers a macho statement of intent, metaphorically flexes his muscles, then roars away.— Terry McCarthy They settled in Somerville, Mass., next door to Cambridge but metaphorically across the tracks.— Laura Shapiro

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about metaphorically

Dictionary Entries near metaphorically

Statistics for metaphorically

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for metaphorically

The first known use of metaphorically was in 1534

See more words from the same year

Comments on metaphorically

What made you want to look up metaphorically? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

coin of the realm

something valued as if it were money

Test Your Vocabulary

Time Traveler Quiz: Which Word Came First?

Which came first?

snarky sarcastic

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ