figurative

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures.

   The lovers she seems to pursue with her figurative language in fact retreat under the barrage of similes, metaphors and fables.

2. 2
   adj

   Emblematic, symbolic; representative, exemplative

   This, they will say, was figurative, and served, by God's appointment, but for a time, to shadow out the true glory of a more divine sanctity.

3. 3
   adj

   Representing forms recognisable in life and clearly derived from real object sources, in contrast to abstract art.

   1875-1886, John Addington Symonds, Renaissance in Italy They belonged to a nation dedicated to the figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form.

4. 4
   adj

   (used of the meanings of words or text) not literal

5. 5
   adj

   consisting of or forming human or animal figures

6. 6
   adj

   Metaphorically so called.

7. 7
   adj

   With many figures of speech.

Etymology

From Middle French figuratif.