Figurative

Quick meaning: Figurative is an adjective meaning Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures.

Meaning

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

More Meanings

1. Metaphorically so called.
2. With many figures of speech.
3. Emblematic, symbolic; representative, exemplative
4. (art) Representing forms recognisable in life and clearly derived from real object sources, in contrast to abstract art.

Example Sentences

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

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.

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.

Synonyms for figurative

Depending on context, synonyms include extended, poetic, tropical, metonymic, metaphorical, figural.

Antonyms for figurative

Common opposites include literal.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include metaphorical, metonymic, synecdochical, metaphoric, metonymical, analogical.

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