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Figurative

//ˈfɪɡəɹətɪv// adj

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures.

    "The lovers she seems to pursue with her figurative language in fact retreat under the barrage of similes, metaphors and fables."

  2. 2
    Metaphorically so called.
  3. 3
    With many figures of speech.
  4. 4
    Emblematic, symbolic; representative, exemplative

    "This, they will say, was figurative, and served, by God's appointment, but for a time, to shadow out the true glory of a more divine sanctity."

  5. 5
    Representing forms recognisable in life and clearly derived from real object sources, in contrast to abstract art.

    "1875-1886, John Addington Symonds, Renaissance in Italy They belonged to a nation dedicated to the figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form."

Adjective
  1. 1
    (used of the meanings of words or text) not literal; using figures of speech wordnet
  2. 2
    consisting of or forming human or animal figures wordnet

Etymology

From Middle French figuratif.

See also for "figurative"

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