figurative

English

Etymology

From Middle French figuratif

Pronunciation

IPA(key): /ˈfɪɡjʊɹətɪv/

  • Audio (US)(file)

Adjective

figurative (comparative more figurative, superlative most figurative)

  1. Metaphorical or tropical, as opposed to literal; using figures; as of the use of "cats and dogs" in the phrase "It's raining cats and dogs".
    • 2005 May 1, “The Sea of Love”, in New York Times‎:
      The lovers she seems to pursue with her figurative language in fact retreat under the barrage of similes, metaphors and fables.
  2. Metaphorically so called
  3. With many figures of speech
  4. Emblematic; representative
    • Hooker
      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.
    • J. A. Symonds
      They belonged to a nation dedicated to the figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form.

Usage notes

  • Said of language, expression, etc.

Antonyms

Derived terms

Translations

Further reading

  • figurative in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • figurative in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

French

Adjective

figurative

  1. feminine singular of figuratif

German

Adjective

figurative

  1. inflected form of figurativ

Italian

Adjective

figurative

  1. feminine plural of figurativo

Anagrams

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