figurative

[ fig-yer-uh-tiv ]

adjective

1. of the nature of or involving a figure of speech, especially a metaphor; metaphorical and not literal:

   The word "head" has several figurative senses, as in "She's the head of the company."

   Synonyms: metaphorical, symbolic

2. metaphorically so called:

   His remark was a figurative boomerang.

3. abounding in or fond of figures of speech:

   Elizabethan poetry is highly figurative.

   Synonyms: grandiloquent, florid, elaborate, flowery, ornamental, ornate

4. representing by means of a figure or likeness, as in drawing or sculpture.
5. representing by a figure or emblem; emblematic.

figurative

/ ˈfɪɡərətɪv /

adjective

1. of the nature of, resembling, or involving a figure of speech; not literal; metaphorical
2. using or filled with figures of speech
3. representing by means of an emblem, likeness, figure, etc
4. (in painting, sculpture, etc) of, relating to, or characterized by the naturalistic representation of the external world

Derived Forms

• ˈfigurativeness, noun
• ˈfiguratively, adverb

Other Words From

• fig·ur·a·tive·ly adverb
• fig·ur·a·tive·ness noun
• non·fig·ur·a·tive adjective
• non·fig·ur·a·tive·ness noun
• sem·i·fig·ur·a·tive adjective
• sem·i·fig·ur·a·tive·ness noun
• un·fig·ur·a·tive adjective
• un·fig·ur·a·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of figurative¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English figuratif, fygurative, from Old French figuratif, from Late Latin figūrātīvus; figure ( def ), -ative

Example Sentences

We've got to let figurative take over for a while to bring some order to all this chaos'.

From BBC

Once the smoke — figurative or literal — clears, elected Republicans could be expected to turn to opposing the new Harris administration.

From Los Angeles Times

Recently retired and speaking with Salon, Schwartz described how the figurative climate about discussing the weather has changed for the worse since his career began.

From Salon

The figurative US electoral battle is one they need not weigh in to while they’re consumed by real fighting at home.

From BBC

But the singer never has to explain her figurative language to listeners because she’s taking us along the ride, assuming we know what she’s singing about.

From Salon

Related Words

• allegorical
• descriptive
• fanciful
• florid
• metaphoric
• metaphorical
• pictorial