figurative

fig·ura·tive (fig′yo̵or ə tiv′, -yər-)

adjective

representing by means of a figure, symbol, or likeness
having to do with figure drawing, painting, etc.
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
containing figures of speech

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

fig′·ura·tive′ly adverb

modif.

Modifies a noun

sculpture: Early in his career his research into figurative ceramic sculpture took him to America.
painter: Only the best figurative painters do us this favor.
painting: Yet, inevitably, figurative painting must involve a process of editing.
sculptor: Lucy Kinsella is a figurative sculptor whose work focuses mainly on animals.
language: You say, " Well what about figurative language?
ceramic: Current Work Raku and smoke fired figurative ceramics and bowls.

Modifying Another Word

predominantly: Dunlop's work explores the fundamental esthetic issues in his predominantly figurative paintings.
merely: The priesthood which Christ exercises is the counterpart, in no merely figurative sense, of the levitical priesthood.
mainly: We haven't taken on new artists for some years, however mainly figurative artists would be considered.
highly: This is highly figurative, you understand, intended to convey a glimpse.
purely: Moreover they are not doctrinal, but hortatory, and purely figurative.
mostly: At the start of my degree course my work was mostly figurative.

Used with adjective complement

become: However, she brought back influences from the States and her patterns became far more figurative.

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