##  [literal(ly), figurative(ly), virtually](/writing-tips-plus/literally-figuratively-virtually.html)

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## On this page

- [The terms “literal” and “figurative”](#literal-figurative)
- [Definition of “literal”](#definition-literal)
- [Definition of “figurative”](#definition-figurative)
- [Examples of literal and figurative usage](#examples-literal-figurative)
- [Related adverbs](#related-adverbs)
- [Definition of “literally”](#definition-literally)
- [Definition of “figuratively”](#definition-figuratively)
- [Definition of “virtually”](#definition-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:

| 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**.

## 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.

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## Liens connexes

- [Writing Tips Plus](/fr/writing-tips-plus/index-fra) (page d’accueil)
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