figurative Definition
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
figurative Related Forms
fig′·ura·tive′ly adverb
figurative Synonyms
figurative Usage Examples
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.
Browse dictionary entries near figurative
- ‹ figuration
- ‹ figurant
- ‹ figural
- ‹ figment
- ‹ fighting words
- ‹ fighting chance
- ‹ fighting
- ‹ fighter
- ‹ fight off
- ‹ fight back
- figure ›
- figure eight ›
- figure-eight knot ›
- figure of speech ›
- figure skating ›
- figured ›
- figurehead ›
- figurine ›
- figwort ›
- Fiji ›

