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figuratively - 2 dictionary results

fig⋅ur⋅a⋅tive

  [fig-yer-uh-tiv]
Use figuratively in a Sentence
–adjective
1. of the nature of or involving a figure of speech, esp. a metaphor; metaphorical; not literal: a figurative expression.
2. metaphorically so called: His remark was a figurative boomerang.
3. abounding in or fond of figures of speech: Elizabethan poetry is highly figurative.
4. representing by means of a figure or likeness, as in drawing or sculpture.
5. representing by a figure or emblem; emblematic.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME < LL figūrātīvus (see figurate, -ive ); r. ME figuratif < MF

Related forms:
fig⋅ur⋅a⋅tive⋅ly, adverb
fig⋅ur⋅a⋅tive⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
3. ornate, ornamental, flowery, elaborate, florid, grandiloquent.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To figuratively
fig·u·ra·tive   (fĭg'yər-ə-tĭv)   
adj.  
    1. Based on or making use of figures of speech; metaphorical: figurative language.
    2. Containing many figures of speech; ornate.
  2. Represented by a figure or resemblance; symbolic or emblematic.
  3. Of or relating to artistic representation by means of animal or human figures.
fig'u·ra·tive·ly adv., fig'u·ra·tive·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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