Figurative /(?)/

Fig·ur·a·tive

Figurative

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.
  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.

Phrases & Compounds

Figurative counterpoint
See under Figurate.