Figurative is an adjective that refers to the use of words or expressions with a meaning different from their literal interpretation. It involves imaginative language, often using metaphors, similes, and other rhetorical devices to convey ideas in a more vivid or creative way. Figurative language is commonly used in literature, poetry, and everyday speech to evoke emotions, illustrate concepts, or add depth to communication.
Sentences Using “Figurative”:
- When she said the presentation was a “home run,” she was speaking in a figurative sense.
- The phrase “time is a thief” is an example of figurative language.
- The poet’s use of figurative imagery painted a vivid picture of the countryside.
- He used figurative speech to describe the chaotic meeting as a “train wreck.”
- The story’s figurative elements made it more engaging and thought-provoking.
- Teachers often emphasize the importance of distinguishing between literal and figurative meanings.
- “Breaking the ice” is a figurative way of saying “starting a conversation.”
- The novel’s figurative descriptions brought its characters and settings to life.
- She was confused by his figurative expression and took it literally.
- Writers often use figurative comparisons to explain abstract ideas more effectively.
Synonyms for “Figurative”:
- Metaphorical
- Symbolic
- Imaginative
- Allegorical
- Representative
- Descriptive
- Non-literal
- Analogical
- Expressive
- Poetic
Antonyms for “Figurative”:
- Literal
- Actual
- Factual
- Real
- Direct
- Straightforward
- Plain
- Concrete
- Explicit
- Objective
Related Words:
- Metaphor
- Symbolism
- Imagery
- Simile
- Allusion
- Analogy
- Representation
- Abstraction
- Hyperbole
- Rhetoric
Idiomatic Expressions:
- “Figuratively speaking” – Referring to something not meant literally, e.g., “Figuratively speaking, her ideas set the room on fire.”
- “Paint a picture” – To describe something vividly, often figuratively, e.g., “He painted a picture of his dream home in great detail.”
- “At face value” – Opposite of figurative, meaning to interpret something literally, e.g., “Don’t take his comments at face value; he was speaking figuratively.”
- “A mountain of work” – A figurative way to describe a lot of work, e.g., “I have a mountain of work to finish today.”
- “Piece of cake” – A figurative way of saying something is easy, e.g., “The test was a piece of cake for her.”
- “A silver lining” – A figurative expression for finding positivity in a bad situation, e.g., “The delay had a silver lining—it gave us more time to prepare.”
- “The tip of the iceberg” – Figuratively meaning a small visible part of a much larger problem, e.g., “The financial issues were just the tip of the iceberg.”
- “Hit the nail on the head” – A figurative way of saying someone is exactly right, e.g., “Her analysis hit the nail on the head.”
- “Over the moon” – Figuratively expressing extreme happiness, e.g., “She was over the moon after receiving the award.”
- “Burning the midnight oil” – Figuratively meaning working late into the night, e.g., “He was burning the midnight oil to meet the project deadline.”
