figuratively

adv

1. In a figurative manner.

   “1897 Easton's Bible Dictionary available on Wikisource Shepherd A word naturally of frequent occurrence in Scripture. […] This word is used figuratively to represent the relation of rulers to their subjects and of God to his people.”

2. Used to indicate that what follows is to be taken as a figure of speech, not literally.

   “Figuratively, the cat was out of the bag.”

   “Time can be consumed figuratively like food.”