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figurative

Pronunciation: /ˈfɪg(ə)rətɪv, -gjʊ-/

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Definition of figurative

adjective

  • 1departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical:a figurative expression
  • 2(of an artist or work of art) representing forms that are recognizably derived from life.

Derivatives

figuratively

adverb

figurativeness

noun

Origin:

Middle English: from late Latin figurativus, from figurare 'to form or fashion', from figura (see figure)

figurative in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of figurative in the US English dictionary

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