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