Figurative language includes figures of speech, such as similes ("she's been like a sister to me") and metaphors ("a storm of protest"). And sometimes it's hard to tell whether a phrase is literal …

Figurative art is based on the shapes of real objects. Figuratively speaking, negotiators succeeded in building a bridge over a wide river in reaching this agreement. Then again, he …

FIGURATIVE meaning: 1 : used with a meaning that is different from the basic meaning and that expresses an idea in an interesting way by using language that usually describes something …

1. a. Based on or making use of figures of speech; metaphorical: figurative language. b. Containing many figures of speech; ornate. 2. Represented by a figure or resemblance; …

(of language, words, phrases, etc.) used in a way that is different from the usual meaning, in order to create a particular mental picture. For example, ‘He exploded with rage’ shows a figurative …

not in its original, usual, literal, or exact sense; representing one concept in terms of another that may be thought of as analogous with it; metaphoric in “screaming headlines,” the word …

Sep 22, 2025 · figurative (comparative more figurative, superlative most figurative) Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures. …

Of language or meaning: differing from the literal use or sense; metaphorical.

Rhetoric of the nature of or involving a figure of speech, esp. a metaphor: She used the word "dead'' in a figurative sense to mean "tired.'' Rhetoric characterized by or having figures of …

figurative meaning, definition, what is figurative: a figurative word or phrase is used in a...: Learn more.