- Figurativeness
- Figurative Fig"ur*a*tive, a. [L. figurativus: cf. F.
figuratif. See {Figurative}.]
1. Representing by a figure, or by resemblance; typical;
representative.
[1913 Webster]
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. --Hooker. [1913 Webster]
2. Used in a sense that is tropical, as a metaphor; not literal; -- applied to words and expressions. [1913 Webster]
3. Abounding in figures of speech; flowery; florid; as, a highly figurative description. [1913 Webster]
4. Relating to the representation of form or figure by drawing, carving, etc. See {Figure}, n., 2. [1913 Webster]
They belonged to a nation dedicated to the figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form. --J. A. Symonds. [1913 Webster]
{Figurative counterpoint} or {Figurative descant}. See under {Figurate}. -- {Fig"ur*a*tive*ly}, adv. -- {Fig"ur*a*tive*ness}, n. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.