/ ˈfɪgərətɪv; NAmE ; NAmE also ˈfɪgjə-/ adjective [ usually before noun ]
1.
( 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
2.
( of paintings, art, etc. ) showing people, animals and objects as they really look :
a figurative artist
—compare abstract
► fig·ura·tive·ly adverb :
She is, figuratively speaking, holding a gun to his head.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from late Latin figurativus , from figurare to form or fashion, from figura shape, figure, form; related to fingere form, contrive.