Word
figurative
Phoneticsfig·u·ra·tive, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɪɡjɝətɪv/
UK/fˈɪɡjʊɹˌeɪtɪv/
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“The phrase 'raining cats and dogs' is a figurative expression.”
contextual
“When she said her boss was a snake, she was using figurative language to describe his sneaky behavior.”
complex
“The author relies heavily on figurative language, weaving complex metaphors and similes throughout the text to convey the emotional weight of the tragedy.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; frequently collocates with 'language', 'sense', or 'art'.
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From Middle French figuratif.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/figurative