Definition of "figuratively" in English

adverb

1. (manner) In a figurative manner.

   • 1897 Easton's Bible Dictionary available on Wikisource 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.

2. (as a sentence adverb) 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.