figurative
/ˈfɪɡ.ər.ə.tɪv/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Figurative language uses words in a non-literal way to create an image or feeling. It does not mean exactly what the words say.
- “He has a heart of gold” is figurative.
- That phrase is figurative, not literal.
- Poets often use figurative language.
Adinary Nuance
Figurative is often used for language, speech, or writing that is not literal. It is close to metaphorical, but figurative is broader and can include similes, idioms, and other image-based expressions. Writers choose figurative when they mean “not exact word-for-word meaning,” not only one specific comparison.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- hàm nghĩa
- Spanish
- figurado
- Chinese
- 比喻的
- Japanese
- 比喩的な
- Korean
- 비유적인
Etymology
Figurative comes from Late Latin figurativus, from figura, meaning “shape” or “form.” It entered English in the late Middle Ages.
Common phrases
figurative languagefigurative meaningfigurative expressionfigurative speech
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is figurative the same as metaphorical?
- Not exactly. Figurative is broader, while metaphorical is one type of figurative language.
- Is figurative formal or academic?
- It is common in academic writing, especially when discussing reading, literature, or language use.
- How do I use figurative in a sentence?
- Use it before nouns like language, speech, or meaning: “The poem uses figurative language.”
- What is the opposite of figurative?
- The opposite is literal.