figurative

adjective

fig·​u·​ra·​tive ˈfi-g(y)ə-rə-tiv 

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

• extended
• figural
• metaphoric
• metaphorical
• tropical
• tropological

Examples of figurative in a Sentence

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

But some lucky stalwarts have been around for decades, defining dining culture while weathering figurative and literal storms that keep people coming back for more. —Brock Keeling, Orange County Register, 25 Apr. 2024

There are large doses of figurative painting and (as customary these days) weaving and tapestry arranged in polite, symmetrical arrays. —Jason Farago, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2024

Some of them even had stories associated with figurative imagery, including people, landscapes, and gardens. —Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2024

Ruscha’s stains were left by automobiles parked out in the lot — ordinary, figurative images recorded by a cameraman the artist hired at a time when photography was a second-class medium for art. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2024

From nods to pop culture, religion, politics, nature, social issues, and technology, to love, connection, and the human condition, the future of figurative art is vivid and bright. —Freya Drohan, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2024

For the last 40 years, Hare pursued similar excellence as a painter specializing in figurative and abstract art. —Fred Featherstone, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2024

Today, the continent is balancing on the edge of a meltdown—both literal and figurative. —Elizabeth Buchanan, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2024

There was no shortage of jabs, both literal and figurative, during a brawl Tuesday in which rookie Pavel Mintyukov proved his mettle and all 12 players on the ice, goalies included, got involved. —Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2024

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

Phrases Containing figurative

• figurative language

Kids Definition

figurative

adjective

fig·​u·​ra·​tive ˈfig-(y)ə-rət-iv 

: expressing one thing in terms normally used for another : metaphorical

the figurative use of "foot" in "the foot of the mountain"

figuratively adverb

figurativeness noun