Fig"ur*a*tive (?), a. [L. figurativus: cf. F. figuratif. See Figurative.]
1.
Representing by a figure, or by resemblance; typical; representative.
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.
2.
Used in a sense that is tropical, as a metaphor; not literal; -- applied to words and expressions.
3.
Ambounding in figures of speech; flowery; florid; as, a highly figurative description.
4.
Relating to the representation of form or figure by drawing, carving, etc. See Figure, n., 2.
They belonged to a nation dedicated to the figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form.
J. A. Symonds.
Figurative counterpoint. See under Figurate.
-- Fig"ur*a*tive*ly, adv. -- Fig"ur*a*tive*ness, n.
© Webster 1913.