Figurative: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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