figurative
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.fig·u·ra·tive
adjective \ˈfi-g(y)ə-rə-tiv\Definition of FIGURATIVE
1
a : representing by a figure or resemblance : emblematic 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> b : characterized by figures of speech <a figurative description>
— fig·u·ra·tive·ly adverb
— fig·u·ra·tive·ness noun
See Examples of FIGURATIVE
- 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”>
First Known Use of FIGURATIVE
14th century
Related to FIGURATIVE
- Synonyms
- extended, figural, metaphoric (or metaphorical), tropical, tropological
- Antonyms
- nonfigurative, nonmetaphorical
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
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