English Dictionary: figuratively | by the DICT Development Group |
2 results for figuratively | |
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]: | |
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From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
Figurative \Fig"ur*a*tive\, a. [L. figurativus: cf. F. figuratif. See {Figurative}.] 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] descant}. See under {Figurate}. -- {Fig"ur*a*tive*ly}, adv. -- {Fig"ur*a*tive*ness}, n. |