Figuration Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐จ
figuration
[หfษชษกjสหreษชสษn ]
Definitions
artistic expression
The act of forming or shaping something into a particular form or figure, especially in a creative or artistic manner. It can refer to the process of creating sculptures, paintings, or other visual art forms.
Synonyms
depiction, rendering, representation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| figuration |
Refers to the act of shaping or forming into a figure, often used in mathematics or theoretical contexts.
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| representation |
A broad term used in many contexts to indicate how something is shown or depicted, can refer to both abstract and realistic portrayals.
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| depiction |
Best for describing how something is portrayed or shown, often with a focus on details and realism.
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| rendering |
Common in visual arts, architecture, and computer graphics, referring to how something is visually presented.
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Examples of usage
- Her figuration of the human body in her paintings is both realistic and abstract.
- The artist's figuration of emotions through color and form is captivating.
- The figuration of animals in ancient cave paintings tells us about prehistoric cultures and beliefs.
musical composition
In music, figuration refers to the use of embellishments, ornaments, or decorative elements in a musical composition. It can enhance the melodic line or add complexity to the harmonic structure.
Synonyms
decoration, embellishment, ornamentation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| figuration |
This word can also refer to the actual physical representation of things in visual arts, often used in the context of painting and sculpture.
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| ornamentation |
This term is used for describing decorative elements, often in architecture, music, or design. It emphasizes elaboration and is generally more formal than 'decoration'.
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| embellishment |
This word is used for adding details to make something more attractive or interesting, often with an artistic or creative touch, but it can also suggest exaggeration or adornment beyond necessity.
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| decoration |
This term is appropriate for describing the process or result of making something look more attractive by adding elements, often used in everyday situations like beautifying homes, cakes, or events.
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Examples of usage
- The pianist's use of figuration in the sonata added richness and depth to the piece.
- The composer's figuration of the theme with trills and runs showcased their virtuosity.
- Baroque music is known for its intricate figuration and ornamentation.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Art
- In visual arts, figuration often refers to artwork that represents real objects or figures, as opposed to abstract forms.
- Many famous artists, such as Alberto Giacometti, were known for their unique approaches to figuration, blending the human form with abstract concepts.
Literature
- Literary figurations create images through descriptive language, helping readers visualize characters or settings.
- Figuration in poetry often uses metaphor and simile to evoke deeper meanings and emotional responses.
Psychology
- Figurative thinking is a key component in cognitive development, allowing individuals to interpret symbols beyond literal meanings.
- The ability to visualize concepts and ideas plays a crucial role in problem-solving and creativity.
Philosophy
- Philosophers often discuss figuration in the context of how reality is perceived and represented in thought and language.
- In existentialism, figuration highlights the importance of individual experience and interpretation in shaping one's understanding of existence.
Origin of 'figuration'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'figลซrฤtiล', which means 'the act of forming or shaping'.
- Related to words like 'figure', 'configuration', and 'figurative', all sharing a common root focused on shape or form.
The word 'figuration' originates from the Latin word 'figuratio', which means a shaping or forming. It has been used in artistic contexts for centuries to describe the act of creating visual representations or sculptures. In the realm of music, figuration has been a key element in compositions from various periods, adding depth and interest to melodic and harmonic structures.
See also: disfigure, figurative, figures, figurine, figurines, prefigure, transfiguration.