The AI-powered English dictionary
comparative more figurative, superlative most figurative
Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures; as when saying that someone who eats more than they should is a pig or like a pig. quotations examples
The lovers she seems to pursue with her figurative language in fact retreat under the barrage of similes, metaphors and fables.
2005 May 1, “The Sea of Love”, in New York Times
Metaphorically so called. examples
With many figures of speech. examples
Emblematic, symbolic; representative, exemplative quotations examples
This, they will say, was figurative, and served, by God's appointment, but for a time, to shadow out the true glory of a more divine sanctity.
1594–1597, Richard Hooker, edited by J[ohn] S[penser], Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, […], London: […] Will[iam] Stansby [for Matthew Lownes], published 1611, (please specify the page)
(art) Representing forms recognisable in life and clearly derived from real object sources, in contrast to abstract art. quotations examples
They belonged to a nation dedicated to the figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form.
1875-1886, John Addington Symonds, Renaissance in Italy