figuratively

adverb2

1. •
   In a figurative manner.

   • 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. — 1897
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.