figurative
adjective /ˈfɪɡərətɪv/
/ˈfɪɡjərətɪv/
[usually before noun]- (of language, words, phrases, etc.) used in a way that is different from the usual meaning, in order to create a particular mental picture. For example, ‘He exploded with rage’ shows a figurative use of the verb ‘explode’. compare literal, metaphorical
- (of paintings, art, etc.) showing people, animals and objects as they really look
- a figurative artist
Word OriginMiddle English: from late Latin figurativus, from figurare ‘to form or fashion’, from figura ‘shape, figure, form’; related to fingere ‘form, contrive’.