1
of words, language, etc.
: used with a meaning that is different from the basic meaning and that expresses an idea in an interesting way by using language that usually describes something else : not literal
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."
figurative language
2
: showing people and things in a way that resembles how they really look : not abstract
figurative art
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“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/figurative. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.
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