Figurative
['fɪg(ə)rətɪv;-gjʊ-] or ['fɪgərətɪv]
Definition
(adj.) (used of the meanings of words or text) not literal; using figures of speech; 'figurative language' .
Checked by Helena--From WordNet
Definition
(a.) Representing by a figure, or by resemblance; typical; representative.
(a.) Used in a sense that is tropical, as a metaphor; not literal; -- applied to words and expressions.
(a.) Abounding in figures of speech; flowery; florid; as, a highly figurative description.
(a.) Relating to the representation of form or figure by drawing, carving, etc. See Figure, n., 2.
Editor: Rosalie
Synonyms and Synonymous
a. [1]. Typical, representative, emblematical.[2]. Tropical, metaphorical, not literal.[3]. Flowery, florid, ornate.
Typed by Irwin
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Metaphorical, poetical, tropical, rhetorical, symbolical, typical,emblematical
ANT:Literal, prosaic, unpoetical, unmetaphorical
Typed by Benjamin
Examples
- The figurative association was mistaken for a real one; and thus the three latter divisions of the Platonic proportion were constructed. Plato. The Republic.
- These days, it was argued, were figurative days; they were really ages. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- St. John's eyes, though clear enough in a literal sense, in a figurative one were difficult to fathom. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- Mr Tootle is so far figurative, touching the dismemberment, as that he means the boat, and not the man. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- We cannot be said to join our labour to any thing but in a figurative sense. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
Typed by Benjamin