metaphorical
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metaphorical
In a figurative sense; not to be understood literally, but used as a linguistic image (metaphor).
Wenn man vom „Herz einer Stadt“ spricht, ist das metaphorisch gemeint.
When people speak of the 'heart of a city,' it is meant metaphorically.
'Metaphorisch' (metaphorical) is the adjective formed from the noun 'die Metapher' (metaphor). A metaphor is a linguistic image that has a figurative meaning.
Der Ausdruck „Datenflut“ ist eine bekannte Metapher für eine große Menge an Informationen.
The expression 'Datenflut' (flood of data) is a well-known metaphor for a large amount of information.
The word is very often used as an adverb to comment on an expression. Typical phrases are 'metaphorisch gesprochen' (metaphorically speaking), 'metaphorisch gemeint' (meant metaphorically), or 'etwas metaphorisch verstehen' (to understand something metaphorically).
Die Chefin sagte, wir sitzen alle im selben Boot. Das war natürlich metaphorisch gemeint.
The boss said we are all in the same boat. Of course, that was meant metaphorically.
'Metaphorisch' (metaphorically) is often combined with verbs of saying and understanding. You can 'metaphorisch ausdrücken' (express metaphorically), 'meinen' (mean), 'verstehen' (understand), or 'interpretieren' (interpret) something.
Man kann seine Aussage auch metaphorisch interpretieren.
One can also interpret his statement metaphorically.
to transmit / transfer
'übertragen' and 'metaphorisch' are close when language is not meant literally. 'metaphorisch' directly describes a figurative meaning, that is, a metaphor. In this context, 'übertragen' can mean that an expression or idea is taken from one area into another. 'metaphorisch' is more precise when talking about figurative language. 'übertragen' is broader and also fits when a principle or result is applied to a new context.
Simon meint den Satz metaphorisch und nicht wörtlich.
Simon means the sentence metaphorically, not literally.
Alina hat das Ergebnis der Studie auf ihre Planung übertragen.
Alina applied the result of the study to her planning.