literal(ly), figurative(ly), virtually

On this page

• The terms “literal” and “figurative”
  • Definition of “literal”
  • Definition of “figurative”
  • Examples of literal and figurative usage
• Related adverbs
  • Definition of “literally”
  • Definition of “figuratively”
  • Definition of “virtually”

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:

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

Related adverbs

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.