Metaphorically vs. Literally

Metaphoricallyadverb

(manner) In a metaphoric manner; not literally; by means of metaphor.

Metaphoricallyadverb

Used to draw attention that what follows is a metaphor, not to be taken literally

Metaphoricallyadverb

in a metaphorical manner;

Literallyadverb

(speech act) word for word; not figuratively; not as an idiom or metaphor

Literallyadverb

Used non-literally as an intensifier for figurative statements: virtually, so to speak (often considered incorrect; see usage notes)

Literallyadverb

(colloquial) Used as a generic downtoner: just, merely.

Literallyadverb

According to the primary and natural import of words; not figuratively; as, a man and his wife can not be literally one flesh.

Literallyadverb

With close adherence to words; word by word.

Literallyadverb

in a literal sense;

Literallyadverb

(intensifier before a figurative expression) without exaggeration;

Literallyadverb

in a literal manner or sense; exactly

Literallyadverb

used for emphasis while not being literally true