Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Figurative
1.
Representing by a figure, or by resemblance; typical; representative.
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. Hooker.
2.
Used in a sense that is tropical, as a metaphor; not literal; – applied to words and expressions.
3.
Abounding in figures of speech; flowery; florid;
as, a highly
. figurative
description4.
Relating to the representation of form or figure by drawing, carving, etc. See , 2.
Figure
, Noun.
They belonged to a nation dedicated to the
– figurative
arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form. J. A. Symonds.
Fig′ur-a-tive-ly
, adv.
Fig′ur-a-tive-ness
, Noun.
Webster 1828 Edition
Figurative
FIG'URATIVE
, a.1.
Representing something else; representing by resemblance; typical.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.
2.
Representing by resemblance; not literal or direct. A figurative expression, is one in which the words are used in a sense different from that in which they are ordinarily used as,Slander, whose edge is sharper than the sword.
3.
Abounding with figures of speech; as a description highly figurative.Definition 2024
figurative
figurative
English
Adjective
figurative (comparative more figurative, superlative most figurative)
- Metaphorical or tropical, as opposed to literal; using figures; as of the use of "cats and dogs" in the phrase "It's raining cats and dogs".
- Metaphorically so called
- With many figures of speech
- Emblematic; representative
- Hooker
- 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.
- J. A. Symonds
- They belonged to a nation dedicated to the figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form.
- Hooker
Usage notes
- Said of language, expression, etc.
Antonyms
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
metaphorical; not literal
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metaphorically so called
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with many figures of speech
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emblematic
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External links
- figurative in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- figurative in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911