Background for figurative
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figurative

/ˈfɪɡəɹətɪv/

Meanings
adjective
Of use as a metaphor, simile, or metonym, as opposed to literal; using figures; as when saying that someone who eats more than they should is a pig or like a pig.

Examples :

"The teacher used figurative language to explain the complex concept, saying that the student's mind was a blank slate. "
language linguistics literature

Related Words

Illustration representing

representing verb

/ɹɛpɹɪˈzɛntɪŋ/

To present again or anew; to present by means of something standing in the place of; to exhibit the counterpart or image of; to typify.

"The student is representing the country of France in the class presentation. "

Illustration representative

representative noun

/ˌɹɛpɹɪˈzɛnt(ət)ɪv/

A delegate.

"The student council chose a representative to speak at the school assembly. "

Illustration milestone

milestone noun

/ˈmaɪlstoʊn/

A stone milepost (or by extension in other materials), one of a series of numbered markers placed along a road at regular intervals, typically at the side of the road or in a median.

"The old road still had a few milestones marking the distance to the next town. "

Illustration representation

representation noun

/ˌɹɛp.ɹə.zɛn.ˈteɪ.ʃən/

That which represents something else.

"The Venus of Willendorf was an early representation of the female body."

Illustration metaphors

metaphors noun

/ˈmɛtəfɔrz/ /ˈmɛtəfərz/

The use of a word or phrase to refer to something that it is not, invoking a direct similarity between the word or phrase used and the thing described (but in the case of English without the words like or as, since use of those words would imply a simile); the word or phrase used in this way; an implied comparison.

"The teacher explained that metaphors, like "the world is a stage," help us understand complex ideas by comparing them to familiar things. "

Illustration recognisable

recognisable adjective

/ˈrekəɡnaɪzəbl/ /ˈrekəɡnaɪzəbəl/

Able to be recognised.

"Her voice was so distinctive, it was instantly recognisable even on a bad phone connection. "

Illustration metaphorically

metaphorically adverb

/ˌmɛtəˈfɔrɪkli/ /ˌmɛɾəˈfɔrɪkli/

(manner) In a metaphoric manner; not literally; by means of metaphor.

"He conveyed his teachings metaphorically."

Illustration graduation

graduation noun

/ˌɡɹædʒuˈeɪʃən/

The action or process of graduating and receiving a diploma for completing a course of study (such as from an educational institution).

"After years of hard work, Maria's graduation from university was a joyful celebration. "

Illustration literally

literally adverb

/ˈlɪtəɹəli/ /ˈlɪ.ɾɚ.ə.li/

Word for word; not figuratively; not as an idiom or metaphor

"When I saw on the news that there would be no school tomorrow because of the snowstorm, I literally jumped for joy, and hit my head on the ceiling fan."

Illustration beginning

beginning noun

/bɪˈɡɪn.ɪŋ/

The act of doing that which begins anything; commencement of an action, state, or space of time; entrance into being or upon a course; the first act, effort, or state of a succession of acts or states.

"The beginning of the school year is always exciting. "

Illustration sculpture

sculpture noun

/ˈskʌlptj(ʊ)ə/ /ˈskʌlpt͡ʃɚ/

A three dimensional work of art created by shaping malleable objects and letting them harden or by chipping away pieces from a rock (sculpting).

"The art student carefully sculpted a small, detailed figure of a bird from clay. "

Illustration emblematic

emblematic adjective

/ˌɛmbləˈmatɪk/

Serving as, or relating to a symbol, emblem or illustration of a type.

"The bald eagle is emblematic of the United States. "