Figuratywnie

Figuratywnie is a Polish adverb that denotes a non-literal, figurative sense in language. It stems from the adjective figuratywny (figurative), itself from Latin figura, via Polish linguistic development. The term is used to indicate that a statement should be interpreted with figures of speech such as metaphor, metonymy, or other non-literal devices, rather than taken at face value.

In linguistic and literary contexts, figuratywnie helps distinguish descriptive or symbolic meaning from literal description. It is often used in criticism, journalism, teaching, and everyday speech to prevent misinterpretation of expressions that rely on imagery or symbolism. For example: "To powiedzenie należy interpretować figuratywnie, a nie dosłownie" meaning that the phrase should be read as a figure of speech, not as a factual statement. Another example: "Zdanie 'pada deszcz pieniędzy' jest figuratywne i należy je rozumieć jako przenośnię o bogactwie, a nie dosłowną pogodę."

Relation to other terms: Figuratywnie is linked to przenośnia (figure of speech), metafora (metaphor), and inne środki stylistyczne. Its nearest antonym is dosłownie (literally). The term helps clarify nuance in texts where precise interpretation matters, such as literary analysis or careful journalistic writing.

See also: metafora, przenośnia, hiperbola, idiom, dosłownie.