Definition of "metaphorically" []

• In a metaphoric manner; not literally; by means of metaphor. (adverb)
• Used to draw attention that what follows is a metaphor, not to be taken literally (adverb)

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• "On the other hand, to say that a hurricane is a steam motor is not to use the term metaphorically, but literally: one is saying that the hurricane embodies the same engineering diagram as a steam motor: it uses a reservoir of heat and operates via differences of temperature circulated through a Carnot cycle."
• "Perhaps they mean to use the term metaphorically, but in the Nixon White House there was an actual list, compiled by Chuck Colson at the behest of John Dean."
• "The Greeks called the island Ichnussa, or footprint, because of its shape, but Sardinia's central location makes the term metaphorically appropriate as well."