figurtavely speaking...

Hi! I'm new here, but I have a quick question.

I have been trying to learn how to use words figuratively. My professor gave us a list of words and we had to define them literally, figuratively and contextually. I have the literal and contextual down pat, but when it comes to figuratively, I am at a lost. When I asked the teacher for help, all she could tell me was to use a point of reference and/or connect it to youself. I told her I didn't get that, but she repeated if five or six time so I gave up. Can some one help me?

The words in question:

effrontery, contrivance, serendipitous, ignominy, effeminate, inquietude, and mettle