figurative

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Using words in a non-literal way to create a picture or comparison.

   Grammar: Can be compared: more figurative, most figurative.

   Patterns

   • figurative language
   • in a figurative sense
   • figurative meaning

   The phrase 'a sea of troubles' is figurative, not literal.

   She used figurative language to make her description more vivid.

2. 2adjectivenot comparablespecialist

   Relating to art that shows recognizable forms, especially the human body.

   Grammar: Not usually compared; used mainly before a noun.

   Patterns

   • figurative art
   • figurative painter
   • figurative sculpture

   The museum has a large collection of figurative art from the 20th century.

   He is a figurative painter who works from live models.

Word forms

Common combinations

figurative language

Figurative language makes writing more engaging.

figurative sense

In a figurative sense, the company is a family.

figurative meaning

The figurative meaning of 'drowning' is being overwhelmed.

figurative art

Figurative art often focuses on the human form.

Synonyms and how they differ

metaphorical

Metaphorical is more specific to metaphor; figurative is broader and includes similes and idioms.

symbolic

Symbolic means representing something else by association; figurative means not literal.

Opposites

Word family

figure noun

A shape, drawing, or symbol.

figuratively adverb

In a non-literal way.

figuration noun

The use of figures or symbols.

Commonly confused: figurative or figurine?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “figurative”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words