FIGURATIVE

Definition of FIGURATIVE

FIGURATIVE Adjective

Figurative is an adjective that describes language or expressions that use figures of speech to convey meanings beyond the literal interpretation. It often involves symbolic, metaphorical, or imaginative uses of words and phrases.

Metaphorical Language: Figurative refers to language that employs metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech to express ideas in a more vivid or imaginative way. For example, “The phrase ‘time is a thief’ is a figurative expression,” means that the phrase uses metaphor to convey the idea that time can take away moments.

Symbolic Meanings: Figurative language often includes symbolism, where words or phrases represent something other than their literal meaning. For instance, “In the poem, the ‘stormy sea’ is a figurative reference to emotional turmoil,” indicates that the sea symbolizes inner conflict rather than an actual storm.

Non-Literal Usage: Figurative can describe uses of language that are not meant to be taken literally but instead convey deeper or abstract meanings. For example, “Her speech was filled with figurative expressions that illustrated her points more powerfully,” suggests that the language used was symbolic and not meant to be interpreted in a straightforward manner.

In Literature and Rhetoric: In literary and rhetorical contexts, figurative language plays a crucial role in enhancing the impact and creativity of written and spoken expression. For example, “Shakespeare’s use of figurative language adds depth and richness to his plays,” means that Shakespeare’s language includes metaphors and other figures of speech to create a more engaging narrative.

In Art and Expression: Figurative can also apply to art and other forms of creative expression that use symbolic or metaphorical representations. For instance, “The artist’s figurative paintings depict abstract concepts through vivid imagery,” indicates that the paintings use symbolic representations rather than realistic depictions.

In summary, figurative is an adjective that describes language or expressions that use figures of speech to convey meanings beyond the literal. It encompasses metaphorical, symbolic, and non-literal uses of words to enhance expression and creativity in literature, rhetoric, and art. Understanding figurative helps in recognizing its role in enriching language and communication through imaginative and symbolic representations.

SKILLFUL

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ALIEN

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ORIGINAL

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SONOROUS

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Examples of FIGURATIVE in a sentence

• The poet used figurative language to evoke deep emotions and create vivid imagery in his verses.
• When she said she was “walking on air,” she was speaking in a figurative sense, not literally floating.
• The figurative meaning of the phrase “a flood of emotions” refers to overwhelming feelings rather than actual water.
• In literature, figurative expressions often help convey complex ideas through metaphor and symbolism.
• The teacher explained that the figurative use of “a silver lining” represents optimism in difficult situations.
• His figurative description of the sunset painted a beautiful picture of the scene without being literal.
• The figurative language in the speech was intended to inspire and motivate the audience through creative comparisons.
• Understanding figurative language can enhance one’s appreciation of poetry and creative writing.

Origin of FIGURATIVE

The word figurative has its origins in Latin, passing through Old French before becoming part of Modern English, and it refers to language that uses metaphorical or symbolic meaning.

• Latin:
  • Figurativus (metaphorical, symbolic)
  • The Latin word figurativus comes from figura (figure, shape) and -ivus (a suffix forming adjectives). Figurativus referred to something that is metaphorical or symbolic, derived from a figure or shape.
• Old French:
  • Figuratif (metaphorical, symbolic)
  • In Old French, figuratif carried forward the Latin sense of being metaphorical or symbolic, referring to language or expressions that use figures of speech.
• Middle English:
  • Figurative (using metaphor or symbolism)
  • By Middle English, figurative was used to describe language or expressions that employ metaphor or symbolism, reflecting the Old French and Latin meanings.
• Modern English:
  • Figurative (not literal, metaphorical)
  • In Modern English, figurative describes language or expressions that use metaphors or symbolism rather than literal meanings, maintaining its historical roots.

The term figurative has preserved its core meaning of using metaphor or symbolism from its Latin origin in figurativus, through Old French and Middle English, to its current use in English, where it denotes non-literal, metaphorical language.

COLLOQUIAL

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SUBVERSIVE

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SIMPLICITY

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SUBMISSIVE

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