The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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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