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Definition of figurative

figurative

/ˈfɪɡ.jə.rə.tɪv/
fig · ur · a · tive
Adverb:figuratively
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figurative Lexical Profile

figurative Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical or nonliteral.

Example

"When she said her backpack weighed a ton, she was speaking in a figurative sense."

2

(Of visual art) representing forms and figures that are recognizably derived from real-world objects, especially the human body, as opposed to abstract art.

Example

"After years of painting geometric abstractions, the artist returned to figurative portraiture."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for figurative

• Nearby Words

fighter
fighting
figment
figurative
figuratively
figure
figurehead

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Late Latin figurativus ('figurative, metaphorical'), derived from Latin figurare ('to form, shape, or fashion'), from figura ('a figure or shape').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Figurative. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/figurative
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