Figurative: meaning, definitions and examples

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figurative

[ ˈfɪɡjərətɪv ]

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language

Departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical.

Synonyms

metaphorical, non-literal, symbolic

Examples of usage

Her figurative language painted a vivid picture in the reader's mind.
The author often uses figurative language to convey deeper meanings in her writing.

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art

Representing form or figure in art, especially by means of line.

Synonyms

naturalistic, realistic, representational

Examples of usage

The painting was a beautiful example of figurative art.
The artist's style is more abstract than figurative.

Translations

Translations of the word "figurative" in other languages:

🇵🇹 figurado

🇮🇳 रूपकात्मक

🇩🇪 bildlich

🇮🇩 kiasan

🇺🇦 фігуральний

🇵🇱 figuralny

🇯🇵 比喩的な

🇫🇷 figuré

🇪🇸 figurado

🇹🇷 mecaz

🇰🇷 비유적인

🇸🇦 مجازي

🇨🇿 obrazný

🇸🇰 obrazný

🇨🇳 比喻的

🇸🇮 figurativen

🇮🇸 myndrænn

🇰🇿 бейнесі

🇬🇪 ფიგურალური

🇦🇿 fiqurativ

🇲🇽 figurado

Word origin

The word 'figurative' comes from the Latin word 'figuratus', which means 'to form or shape'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe language or art that departs from a literal representation. The use of figurative language has been a common literary device throughout history, allowing writers to convey deeper meanings and emotions through metaphor, simile, and other figurative techniques.