figurative
English
Etymology
From Middle French figuratif
Pronunciation
IPA(key): /ˈfɪɡjʊɹətɪv/
Audio (US) (file)
Adjective
figurative (comparative more figurative, superlative most figurative)
- 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".
- Metaphorically so called.
- With many figures of speech.
- 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.
- Hooker
- (art) representing forms recognisable in life and clearly derived from real object sources, in contrast to abstract art.
- J. A. Symonds
- They belonged to a nation dedicated to the figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form.
- J. A. Symonds
Usage notes
- Said of language, expression, etc.
Antonyms
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
metaphorical; not literal
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metaphorically so called
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with many figures of speech
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emblematic
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Further reading
- figurative in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
- figurative in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
- “figurative” (US) / “figurative” (UK) in Oxford Dictionaries, Oxford University Press.
figurative art on Wikipedia.Wikipedia
French
German
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Norwegian Nynorsk
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