Figurative — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈfi-g(y)ə-rə-tiv/ fig·u·ra·tive

Meaning & Definition of Figurative

Figurative (adjective)

  1. representing by a figure or resemblance, emblematic
  2. of or relating to representation of form or figure in art
  3. expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another with which it may be regarded as analogous, metaphorical

Figurative (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. expressing one thing in terms normally used for another

    "the figurative use of allergy to mean a feeling of dislike"

    similar: extended, figural, metaphoric, tropical, tropological
    related: Aesopian, allegorical, emblematic, symbolic, catachrestic, sylleptic, euphemistic, nonliteral, veritable
    opposite: nonfigurative, nonmetaphorical
    near: literal, nonsymbolic

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Figurative

The most common words with a similar meaning to Figurative:

extended, figural, metaphoric, tropical, tropological

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Figurative

Words with the opposite meaning of Figurative:

nonfigurative, nonmetaphorical

Related Words for Figurative

Aesopian, allegorical, emblematic, symbolic, catachrestic, sylleptic, euphemistic, nonliteral, veritable

Near Antonyms of Figurative

literal, nonsymbolic

Word Forms of Figurative

Derived words: figurativeness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Figurative

Middle English figuratif "representing symbolically," from Medieval Latin figūrātīvus, from Latin figūrātus, past participle of figūrāre "to shape, make a likeness of, represent" + -īvus -ive figure:2

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Figurative

figurative language

Frequently Asked Questions about Figurative

What does "Figurative" mean?

"Figurative" means representing by a figure or resemblance, emblematic. As an adjective, it is defined as: representing by a figure or resemblance, emblematic.

What is another word for "Figurative"?

Other words for "Figurative" include extended, figural, metaphoric, tropical and tropological. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Figurative" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Figurative"?

There are 14 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Figurative". Common alternatives include extended, figural, metaphoric, tropical and tropological.

What is the opposite of "Figurative"?

Antonyms of "Figurative" include nonfigurative and nonmetaphorical. Near antonyms include literal and nonsymbolic.

How do you use "Figurative" in a sentence?

Examples of "Figurative" in a sentence: "the figurative use of allergy to mean a feeling of dislike".

Is "Figurative" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Figurative" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Figurative"?

"Figurative" is pronounced /ˈfi-g(y)ə-rə-tiv/ and divided into syllables as fig·u·ra·tive.

What is the origin of the word "Figurative"?

"Figurative" comes from Middle English figuratif "representing symbolically," from Medieval Latin figūrātīvus, from Latin figūrātus, past participle of figūrāre "to shape, make a likeness of, represent" + -īvus -ive figure:2. First known use: 14th century.