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figurative

adjective

fig·​u·​ra·​tive ˈfi-g(y)ə-rə-tiv How to pronounce figurative (audio)
1
a
: representing by a figure or resemblance : emblematic
the figurative dove of peace
b
: of or relating to representation of form or figure in art
figurative sculpture
2
a
: expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another with which it may be regarded as analogous : metaphorical
figurative language
in a figurative sense, civilization marches up and down Lewis Mumford
b
: characterized by figures of speech
a figurative description
figurativeness noun

Did you know?

Words and phrases can have both literal and figurative meanings, and we all use words with both kinds of meanings every day of our lives. We can literally close the door to a room, or we can figuratively close the door to further negotiations—that is, refuse to take part in them. Figurative language includes figures of speech, such as similes ("she's been like a sister to me") and metaphors ("a storm of protest"). And sometimes it's hard to tell whether a phrase is literal or figurative: If I say I "picked up" a little Spanish in Mexico, is that literal or figurative? You've probably noticed that lots of the definitions in this book show both a literal meaning (often something physical) and a figurative meaning (often nonphysical).

Synonyms

Example Sentences

The phrase “know your ropes” means literally “to know a lot about ropes,” while its figurative meaning is “to know a lot about how to do something.” the figurative use of “allergy” to mean “a feeling of dislike”
Recent Examples on the Web The proclamation, largely figurative in use for 121 years, is once again permeating through the press and pop culture. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2022 But at the start of The Rings of Power, most of the Elvish elite is intent on placing its figurative head in the proverbial sand. Daniel Bessner, The New Republic, 7 Sep. 2022 That seems less intentional than the figurative glass wall separating Taeko and Jiro — which at least gives the slightly wan love triangle that ensues a tremor of uncertainty. Guy Lodge, Variety, 6 Sep. 2022 But beyond figurative poker moves, the Jazz also spent big numbers of real dollars in order to chase the ultimate goal. Andy Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 29 June 2022 Their figurative daughters got that and more – challenges and accolades and remuneration that continue to cascade from Title IX. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 23 June 2022 At least since British troops burned Washington in 1814, the guns of August—figurative and literal—have reverberated with great consequence through the succeeding months and years. Gerard Baker, WSJ, 29 Aug. 2022 Saunders turned to a more figurative style of artwork during the post-war years, and her contributions to Vorticism have been both overlooked and explicitly diminished. Brigit Katz, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Aug. 2022 It’s also a thought-provoking meditation on aging with dignity, the state of immigration in the U.S., the definitions of home and legacy, and the figurative and literal lengths one will go for love and family. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Aug. 2022 See More

Word History

Etymology

Middle English figuratif "representing symbolically," from Medieval Latin figūrātīvus, from Latin figūrātus, past participle of figūrāre "to shape, make a likeness of, represent" + -īvus -ive — more at figure entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of figurative was in the 14th century

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