DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan

 Fig·ur·a·tive a.
 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 Figurative descant. See under Figurate.
 -- Fig*ur*a*tive*ly, adv. -- Fig*ur*a*tive*ness, n.
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