Figurativeness

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Figurative \Fig"ur*a*tive\, a. [L. figurativus: cf. F.
     figuratif. See {Figurative}.]
     1. Representing by a figure, or by resemblance; typical;
        representative.
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              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.
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     2. Used in a sense that is tropical, as a metaphor; not
        literal; -- applied to words and expressions.
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     3. Abounding in figures of speech; flowery; florid; as, a
        highly figurative description.
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     4. Relating to the representation of form or figure by
        drawing, carving, etc. See {Figure}, n., 2.
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              They belonged to a nation dedicated to the
              figurative arts, and they wrote for a public
              familiar with painted form.           --J. A.
                                                    Symonds.
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     {Figurative counterpoint} or {Figurative descant}. See under
        {Figurate}. -- {Fig"ur*a*tive*ly}, adv. --
        {Fig"ur*a*tive*ness}, n.
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