figurative

Từ điển Oxford Advanced Learner 8th

fig·ura·tive BrE [ˈfɪɡərətɪv] NAmE [ˈfɪɡərətɪv] NAmE [ˈfɪɡjərətɪv] adjective usually before noun
1. (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 use of the verb ‘explode’.
compare ↑literal, ↑metaphorical
2. (of paintings, art, etc.)showing people, animals and objects as they really look
•a figurative artist
compare ↑abstract
Derived Word: ↑figuratively

Word Origin:
[figurative figuratively] Middle English: from late Latin figurativus, from figurare ‘to form or fashion’, from figura ‘shape, figure, form’; related to fingere ‘form, contrive’.

• Từ đồng nghĩa / Synonyms:
  figural, nonliteral