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

• metaphorical
• metaphoric
• figural
• symbolic
• symbolical

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

Anything — weeds, stoplights, peeling paint — can inspire her bright, intense figurative paintings. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 June 2025

Shapiro created many of these in the early part of his career, responding to the then-current craze for huge abstract pieces with tiny figurative forms. —News Desk, Artforum, 18 June 2025

Left field has been a figurative black hole for the Braves, with four players combining to produce a .213 average with just two home runs, a .281 slugging percentage that ranks 29th in the majors at the position and a .547 OPS that’s 28th. —David O'Brien, New York Times, 14 June 2025

Among the players connected to the disappearance are a wide and varied cast of Austin characters: an up-and-coming boxer who crossed the border from Mexico under strange circumstances, a rookie cop determined to crack the case, a grifter clown (figurative and literal). —Lucas Schaefer june 13, Literary Hub, 13 June 2025

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