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.