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

The earmark of a great nation is how its people treat the destitute or the underprivileged who began life in figurative chains. —Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 20 July 2024

The illustrations complement Arlo’s (literal and figurative) journey, one many readers will find familiar and instructive: the safety of home, the uncomfortable nudge of a challenge, the hard work of pushing through, and the sweet relief of emerging on the other side, a little older and wiser. —Husna Haq, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2024

On Monday, the Yankees got their first in-person look at what that figurative lab produced as position players reported to camp: a noticeably leaner Stanton who is ready to put last year behind him. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2024

The rollout for Eminem's upcoming LP has been filled with mysterious clues to Slim Shady’s figurative death from the jump. —Njera Perkins, Peoplemag, 8 July 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