figurative — departing from literal use of words; metaphorical or symbolic
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: departing from literal use of words; metaphorical or symbolic
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfɪɡjərətɪv/
Example Sentences
- When the teacher said 'knowledge is power,' she was speaking figuratively, not literally handing out batteries.
- His figurative painting of a woman reading captured both realism and emotion.
- She said her heart was broken, but figuratively speaking - it was still pumping blood just fine.
figurative
ADJECTIVE[/ˈfɪɡjərətɪv/]
departing from literal use of words; metaphorical or symbolic
When she said her heart was broken, she meant it in a figurative way.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'figurativus', derived from 'figurare' meaning 'to shape or form', which comes from 'figura' meaning 'shape, form, or figure'. The suffix '-ative' indicates a tendency or quality.
Breakdown
figure (shape, form) + -ative (adjective suffix indicating a quality or tendency) = figurative (tending to use figures or shapes of language rather than literal meaning)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When the teacher said 'knowledge is power,' she was speaking figuratively, not literally handing out batteries.”
“His figurative painting of a woman reading captured both realism and emotion.”
“She said her heart was broken, but figuratively speaking - it was still pumping blood just fine.”
“Poetry often uses figurative language to express complex emotions.”
📚Related Words
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