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Figurative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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figurative

[ˈfɪɡjərətɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

language

Departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical.

Synonyms

metaphorical, non-literal, symbolic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
figurative

Used when describing language that uses expressions or phrases beyond their literal meaning, often to create vivid imagery.

  • Her heart was made of stone is a figurative way to describe someone who is not emotional.
  • In a figurative sense, he was drowning in a sea of paperwork.
metaphorical

Used to refer to expressions that are metaphors, implying a comparison without using 'like' or 'as'.

  • Time is a thief that steals our moments away is a metaphorical expression.
  • Saying someone is a night owl is metaphorical, meaning they stay up late.
symbolic

Used to indicate that an object, action, or phrase represents something else, often with deeper or more significant meaning.

  • The dove is symbolic of peace.
  • In literature, seasonal changes are often symbolic of phases in a character's life.
non-literal

Used when language or phrases are not meant to be taken as exactly true or literal, but instead suggest a larger idea or deeper meaning.

  • I’m so hungry I could eat a horse is a non-literal way of expressing extreme hunger.
  • Saying a person has a mountain of problems is a non-literal description of their many challenges.

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.
Context #2 | Adjective

art

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

Synonyms

naturalistic, realistic, representational.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
figurative

Use this word when describing art or language that uses symbols or metaphors to represent something beyond the literal meaning.

  • Her figurative language in the poem painted vivid images in the reader's mind
representational

This word is used to describe art that aims to represent real objects or scenes accurately, as opposed to abstract art.

  • The gallery featured representational art depicting various historical events
realistic

Use this term when you want to talk about something that closely resembles real life, capturing the essence of everyday experiences without idealization.

  • The novel's realistic portrayal of life in the 19th century was both captivating and educational
naturalistic

This word is ideal when discussing art or literature that aims to depict subjects as they appear in real life, with a focus on accurate detail.

  • The painter's naturalistic style brought every detail of the landscape to life

Examples of usage

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

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Authors use figurative language to enhance storytelling, helping readers to visualize and emotionally connect with characters and events.
  • Classic works like Shakespeare's plays are filled with figurative expressions, making the text poetic and layered in meaning.
  • Figurative speech can evoke strong imagery, allowing the audience to experience emotions more vividly.

Psychology

  • Using figurative language can aid memory retention by creating more relatable and imaginative concepts.
  • Studies show that figurative expressions can influence how individuals perceive ideas and emotions.
  • Creative use of figurative language in therapy can help individuals express feelings that are hard to articulate.

Art

  • In visual arts, figurative art depicts recognizable subjects, often combining realism with abstract elements.
  • The use of symbolism in art can be thought of as a visual form of figurative language, conveying deeper meanings.
  • Famous artists like Picasso and Van Gogh often used figurative techniques to evoke emotion and tell stories through their work.

Language Learning

  • Figurative language is often more challenging for language learners, as they need to understand context and cultural references.
  • Teachers often use figurative expressions to make vocabulary lessons more engaging and memorable.
  • Idioms, a type of figurative language, reflect cultural nuances, offering learners insight into how native speakers communicate.

Origin of 'figurative'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'figurativus,' which means 'representative' or 'metaphorical.'
  • It's been used in English since the late 15th century to describe language that suggests meanings beyond the literal.
  • Figurative language often employs techniques like similes and metaphors to enrich writing.

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.

See also: disfigure, figuration, figures, figurine, figurines, prefigure, transfiguration.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,237, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.