How to pronounce figuratively
Say it like fih-GHYUUR-uh-tiv-lee. Figuratively has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (GHYUUR).
- fih
- GHYUUR
- uh
- tiv
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Figuratively pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- fihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- GHYUURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of figuratively
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: fih-GHYUUR-uh-tiv-lee.
What does figuratively mean?
- In a figurative manner.
- 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.”
Where does figuratively come from?
From figurative + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- nonliterally
- literally
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying figuratively
How do you pronounce figuratively?
Say fih-GHYUUR-uh-tiv-lee. The American pronunciation is /fɪˈɡjʊrətɪvli/. In British English it is /fɪˈɡjʊrətɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in figuratively?
Figuratively has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (GHYUUR). Broken into parts: fih · GHYUUR · uh · tiv · lee.
Is figuratively pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /fɪˈɡjʊrətɪvli/ (fih-GHYUUR-uh-tiv-lee).