Definition

Noun: The quality or state of being figurative; the use of words or expressions in a non-literal sense, often involving metaphor, simile, or symbolism.

Usage Examples

• (The use of non-literal language to convey deeper ideas.)
• (The symbolic or metaphorical nature of the artwork.)
• (Overuse of non-literal language.)

Advanced Usage

• "Figurativeness in metaphor": The degree to which a metaphor relies on non-literal comparison.

  • The figurativeness of the metaphor "time is a thief" lies in its suggestion that time steals moments. (The metaphor uses figurative language to imply loss.)

• "Figurativeness vs. literalness": A contrast between symbolic and direct meaning.

  • The poet balances figurativeness with literalness to create both vivid imagery and clear narrative. (The interplay of symbolic and straightforward language.)

Variants and Related Words

• Figurative (adj): using words in a non-literal way; metaphorical.

  • She used figurative language to describe her emotions. (Non-literal description.)

• Figuratively (adv): in a figurative manner; not literally.

  • He was figuratively drowning in paperwork. (He was overwhelmed, not actually drowning.)

• Figure (n): a word or phrase used in a non-literal sense; a figure of speech.

  • "Heart of gold" is a figure of speech. (A metaphorical expression.)

Synonyms

• Metaphoricity: the quality of being metaphorical.
• Symbolism: the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
• Non-literalness: the state of not being literal.

Related Idioms

• Figurative sense: the meaning derived from figurative language.
  • In the figurative sense, "breaking the ice" means to initiate conversation. (The non-literal meaning of the idiom.)

Additional Notes

• Context: Figurativeness is often discussed in literary analysis, rhetoric, and linguistics. It is the opposite of literalness, which refers to direct, factual meaning.