figurative
adj.describing words or phrases that mean something different from their basic, everyday meaning. You use this when talking about metaphors or expressions, rather than literal facts.
adj.departing from a literal use of words to create a special effect or meaning; metaphorical. In visual arts, it describes work that represents real-world objects or people rather than abstract forms.
“The phrase 'raining cats and dogs' is a figurative expression.”
“When she said her boss was a snake, she was using figurative language to describe his sneaky behavior.”
“The author relies heavily on figurative language, weaving complex metaphors and similes throughout the text to convey the emotional weight of the tragedy.”
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; frequently collocates with 'language', 'sense', or 'art'.
“It eventually evolved into a figurative destination for Simon as he tried to mend his broken heart after his marriage to Fisher.”
“From inner-city Birmingham to lush, tropical Trinidad, this British artist’s hazy, haunted take on barbershops and Caribbean landscapes features some of the best figurative painting you’ll see this year.”
From Middle French figuratif.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.