Figuratively

Figuratively
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.

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  • figuratively — adverb In a figurative manner. Shepherd A word naturally of frequent occurence in Scripture. This word is used figuratively to represent the relation of rulers to their subjects and of God to his people. Ant: literally …   Wiktionary

  • figuratively — See figuratively, literally …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • figuratively — fig|u|ra|tive|ly [ fıgjərətıvli ] adverb using words not in their normal LITERAL meaning but in a way that makes a description more interesting or impressive: I laughed until I nearly died, figuratively speaking, of course …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • figuratively — UK [ˈfɪɡərətɪvlɪ] / US [ˈfɪɡjərətɪvlɪ] adverb using words not in their normal literal meaning but in a way that makes a description more interesting or impressive I laughed until I nearly died, figuratively speaking, of course …   English dictionary

  • figuratively — figurative ► ADJECTIVE 1) not using words literally; metaphorical. 2) Art representing forms that are recognizably derived from life. DERIVATIVES figuratively adverb figurativeness noun …   English terms dictionary

  • figuratively — adverb in a figurative sense (Freq. 1) figuratively speaking,... • Ant: ↑literally • Derived from adjective: ↑figurative …   Useful english dictionary

  • figuratively, literally — Figuratively means not literally, that is, metaphorically (by means of a likeness or figure of speech). Literally means really, actually. Literally means in a manner true to the exact meaning of the words it accompanies ; figuratively means in a… …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • figuratively / literally —    Figuratively refers to metaphoric speech, not realistic or exact: To say, Horace died laughing, is to speak figuratively.    Literally refers to realistic or exact speech: If Horace literally died laughing, he must be buried (but it was not… …   Confused words

  • figuratively / literally —    Figuratively refers to metaphoric speech, not realistic or exact: To say, Horace died laughing, is to speak figuratively.    Literally refers to realistic or exact speech: If Horace literally died laughing, he must be buried (but it was not… …   Confused words

  • figuratively — adverb see figurative …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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