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Webster 1913 Edition


Figurative

Fig′ur-a-tive

,
Adj.
[L.
figurativus
: cf. F.
figuratif
. See
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
description
.
4.
Relating to the representation of form or figure by drawing, carving, etc. See
Figure
,
Noun.
, 2.
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)

  1. 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".
    • 2005 May 1, “The Sea of Love”, in New York Times:
      The lovers she seems to pursue with her figurative language in fact retreat under the barrage of similes, metaphors and fables.
  2. Metaphorically so called
  3. With many figures of speech
  4. 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.

Usage notes

  • Said of language, expression, etc.

Antonyms

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

External links

  • figurative in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • figurative in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

French

Adjective

figurative

  1. feminine singular of figuratif

Italian

Adjective

figurative

  1. feminine plural of figurativo

Anagrams