figurative Hear it!

figurative definition

fig·ura·tive (figyo̵or ə tiv′, -yər-)

adjective

  1. representing by means of a figure, symbol, or likeness
  2. having to do with figure drawing, painting, etc.
  3. not in its original, usual, literal, or exact sense; representing one concept in terms of another that may be thought of as analogous with it; metaphoric in “screaming headlines,” the word “screaming” is a figurative use
  4. containing figures of speech

Etymology: ME < OFr figuratif < LL figurativus < L figuratus, pp. of figurare, to form, fashion < figura, figure

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