figurative
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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

Examples of FIGURATIVE

  1. 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.
  2. <the figurative use of allergy to mean a feeling of dislike>

First Known Use of FIGURATIVE

14th century

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

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