literal(ly), figurative(ly), virtually

On this page

The terms “literal” and “figurative”

Words can have both a literal meaning and a figurative meaning.

Definition of “literal”

In a dictionary, the literal sense of a word is its most basic, concrete meaning.

For example, in the sentence “The children are swimming in the pool,” the verb swim is being used in its literal sense of moving through water.

Definition of “figurative”

For stylistic effect, the same word can also be used in a figurative sense, with a more abstract, colourful meaning.

For instance, we often say that a wealthy person is “swimming in money.” In that case, we’re using the verb swim in a figurative sense, to express the idea that the person has enough money to be immersed in it, as in a pool or a lake.

Examples of literal and figurative usage

The table below shows more examples of words used first in their literal sense and then in a figurative sense:

Literal sense Figurative sense
A sudden whirlwind sent the leaves spinning. The decision thrust us into a whirlwind of activity.
The balloon burst with a bang. The children were bursting with excitement.
The blow from the falling branch knocked him out. Her spouse’s illness was a heavy blow.

Note: In some dictionaries, words and expressions used in a figurative sense are followed by the word figurative or the abbreviation fig.

The adverbs literally and figuratively, along with the adverb virtually, have distinct meanings that should not be confused.

Definition of “literally”

Literally means “really, actually.”

  • The stylist’s liberal use of sculpting gel made Sarah’s hair stand on end, quite literally.

In casual speech, people often use literally for emphasis with the loose meaning of “virtually” or “almost”; however, this usage should be avoided in careful speech or writing.

  • Incorrect: I literally died laughing when I heard that joke.
  • Correct: I almost died laughing when I heard that joke.

Definition of “figuratively”

Figuratively means “not literally, not really.”

  • Voltaire was speaking figuratively when he described Canada as “a few acres of snow.”

Definition of “virtually”

Virtually means “practically, for all practical purposes.”

  • The winter was quite mild: virtually all of my roses have survived.

Copyright notice for Writing Tips Plus

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Public Services and Procurement
A tool created and made available online by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada

Search by related themes

Want to learn more about a theme discussed on this page? Click on a link below to see all the pages on the Language Portal of Canada that relate to the theme you selected. The search results will be displayed in Language Navigator.