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- Dictionaryfigurative/ˈfɪɡ(ə)rətɪv/
adjective
- 1. departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical: "a figurative expression"
- 2. (of an artist or work of art) representing forms that are recognizably derived from life.
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FIGURATIVE definition: 1. (of words and phrases) used not with their basic meaning but with a more imaginative meaning, in…. Learn more.
The meaning of FIGURATIVE is representing by a figure or resemblance : emblematic. How to use figurative in a sentence. Did you know?
Definition of figurative adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. (of language, words, phrases, etc.) used in a way that is different from the usual meaning, in order to create a particular mental picture. For example, ‘He exploded with rage’ shows a figurative use of the verb ‘explode’. compare literal, metaphorical.
(fɪgərətɪv , US -gjər- ) If you use a word or expression in a figurative sense, you use it with a more abstract or imaginative meaning than its ordinary literal one. ...an event that will change your route–in both the literal and figurative sense.
Any figure of speech — a statement or phrase not intended to be understood literally — is figurative. You say your hands are frozen, or you are so hungry you could eat a horse. That's being figurative. In art, figure means "human or animal form," so a figurative drawing might show horses running across a field. "Figurative."
FIGURATIVE meaning: 1. (of words and phrases) used not with their basic meaning but with a more imaginative meaning, in…. Learn more.
Characterized by being a metaphor rather than a real or literal thing; metaphorically so called. Þe figuratif body of Cryste, þat is holy chirche. Also Princes whom the Prophets..haue..made figuratiue Christs. Confound real with figurative Sovereignty. He saw a real instead of a figurative blister.
A complete guide to the word "FIGURATIVE": definitions, pronunciations, synonyms, grammar insights, collocations, examples, and translations.
1. of the nature of or involving a figure of speech, esp. a metaphor; metaphorical; not literal. 2. characterized by or abounding in figures of speech. 3. representing by means of a figure or likeness, as in drawing or sculpture. 4. representing by a figure or emblem; emblematic. fig′ur•a•tive•ness, n.
Rhetoric characterized by or having figures of speech: [letters filled with figurative language.] not literal: a figurative expression. metaphorically so called: His remark was a figurative boomerang. Rhetoric abounding in or fond of figures of speech: Elizabethan poetry is highly figurative.
