Figurative language includes figures of speech, such as similes ("she's been like a sister to me") and metaphors ("a storm of protest"). And sometimes it's hard to tell whether a phrase is literal or …

FIGURATIVE definition: of the nature of or involving a figure of speech, especially a metaphor; metaphorical and not literal. See examples of figurative used in a sentence.

A concise definition of Figurative Language along with usage tips, an expanded explanation, and lots of examples.

Figurative art is based on the shapes of real objects. Figuratively speaking, negotiators succeeded in building a bridge over a wide river in reaching this agreement. Then again, he had more figurative …

1. a. Based on or making use of figures of speech; metaphorical: figurative language. b. Containing many figures of speech; ornate. 2. Represented by a figure or resemblance; symbolic or emblematic. …

not in its original, usual, literal, or exact sense; representing one concept in terms of another that may be thought of as analogous with it; metaphoric in “screaming headlines,” the word “screaming” is a …

Of language or meaning: differing from the literal use or sense; metaphorical.

Jun 16, 2025 · A break-down of what figurative language is, common types of figurative language, examples from literature, and advice on how to use it in your own writing.

Rhetoric of the nature of or involving a figure of speech, esp. a metaphor: She used the word "dead'' in a figurative sense to mean "tired.'' Rhetoric characterized by or having figures of speech: [letters filled …

Jan 8, 2026 · figurative (comparative more figurative, superlative most figurative) Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures.