figurative

/'figjurətiv/

Thân thiện

A poet uses figurative language to describe the sunrise.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Using words in a non-literal way; metaphorical: Describes language that employs figures of speech, such as metaphors or similes, to suggest a meaning beyond the ordinary, literal interpretation.
   • Representing forms, especially the human form; involving artistic representation: Describes art that depicts recognizable objects, especially the human figure, as opposed to abstract art.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective (Language):
  • When the poet writes "time is a thief," she is using a figurative expression.
  • The phrase "breaking the ice" is a figurative way to describe starting a conversation.
• Adjective (Art):
  • The museum's new exhibit focuses on figurative sculpture from the Renaissance.
  • While the artist started with abstract shapes, her later work became more figurative.

Advanced Usage

• "Figuratively speaking": A phrase used to signal that what follows is not meant to be understood literally.
  • He was, figuratively speaking, drowning in paperwork.
• In contrast to "literal": "Figurative" is often explicitly contrasted with "literal" meaning.
  • Is the author describing a real storm, or is the storm figurative, representing inner turmoil?

Variants and Related Words

• Figuratively (adverb): In a figurative manner.
  • She meant that figuratively, not as a real threat.
• Figure (noun/verb): The root word, relating to form, shape, or a symbol.
• Figuration (noun): The act of giving shape or form; representation in art.

Synonyms

• Metaphorical: Involving or characterized by metaphor.
• Symbolic: Serving as a symbol; representing something else.
• Non-literal: Not according to the exact meaning of the words.
• Representational (for art): Depicting physical objects realistically.

Antonyms

• Literal: Taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory.
• Abstract (for art): Concerned with ideas and qualities rather than observable objects.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A figure of speech: A word or phrase used in a non-literal sense for rhetorical or vivid effect. "Metaphor" and "simile" are types of figures of speech.
  • "Heart of stone" is a figure of speech meaning someone is unfeeling.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. consisting of or forming human or animal figures
   • a figural design
   • the figurative art of the humanistic tradition- Herbert Read
2. (used of the meanings of words or text) not literal; using figures of speech
   • figurative language

Từ đồng nghĩa

• figural
• nonliteral