figurative

adjective
UK: /fɪˈɡjʊərətɪv/
US: /ˈfɪɡjərətɪv/

  1. Not using words in their usual or basic sense; expressing something in an imaginative way.

    1. The poem uses figurative language to create a vivid image of the sea.
    2. His speech was full of figurative expressions, making it hard to understand his point.

  2. Representing by a likeness; symbolic.

    1. The statue is a figurative representation of the goddess.
    2. The painting uses figurative elements to convey a deeper meaning about society.

Synonyms

symbolic allegorical representative

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "figurative" in English means: Not using words in their usual or basic sense; expressing something in an imaginative way., Representing by a likeness; symbolic..

The phonetic transcription of "figurative" is /fɪˈɡjʊərətɪv/ in British English and /ˈfɪɡjərətɪv/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "figurative": symbolic, allegorical, representative.

Example usage of "figurative": "The poem uses figurative language to create a vivid image of the sea.". More examples on the page.