figurative

Etymology

From Middle French figuratif.

adj

1. Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures; as when saying that someone who eats more than they should is a pig or like a pig.
   The lovers she seems to pursue with her figurative language in fact retreat under the barrage of similes, metaphors and fables. May 1, 2005, “The Sea of Love”, in New York Times
2. Metaphorically so called.
3. With many figures of speech.
4. Emblematic, symbolic; representative, exemplative
5. (art) Representing forms recognisable in life and clearly derived from real object sources, in contrast to abstract art.
   1875-1886, John Addington Symonds, Renaissance in Italy They belonged to a nation dedicated to the figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form.