| 释义 |
figuratively, adv.|ˈfɪgjʊərətɪvlɪ|
[f. prec. + -ly2.]
In a figurative manner.
1. In or by means of a figure or emblem.
1393Langl. P. Pl. C. xvii. 294 And þow fynde hym bote figuratifliche a ferly me þynkeþ. c1430Speculum (1888) 33 In Gedeones flece was this shewed figuratively. 1508Fisher 7 Penit. Ps. ooiij, There be thre partes of penaunce whiche this holy prophete sheweth derkely and fyguratyuely by the symylitude of thre dyuers byrdes. 1646Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. iii. vii. 121 The sense is still the same; for therein are figuratively intended Vzziah and Ezechias. 1780G. Horne Disc. (1794) III. xvii. 379 Figuratively and sacramentally presented in the temple on earth.
2. By or as a figure of speech; metaphorically.
1533Frith Disput. Purgat. (1829) 151 He dare not understand this thing as figuratively spoken. 1651Hobbes Leviath. iii. xxxv. 220 Figuratively, those men also are called Holy. 1749Fielding Tom Jones vii. ii, To express myself less figuratively, he determined to go to sea. 1867R. Broughton Not Wisely II. 282 It is very, very difficult figuratively to get inside another person. |