# figurative

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈfɪɡəɹətɪv/ · frequency rank #24,753

## Definitions
1. Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures.
2. Metaphorically so called.
3. With many figures of speech.
4. Emblematic, symbolic; representative, exemplative
5. Representing forms recognisable in life and clearly derived from real object sources, in contrast to abstract art.

## Etymology
From Middle French figuratif.

## Easily confused with
- **figuratively** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/figurative-vs-figuratively)

## Common misspellings (14)
`ffigurative`, `fgiurative`, `figgurative`, `figruative`, `figuartive`, `figuraitve`, `figuratiev`, `figurativve`, `figurattive`, `figuratvie`, `figurrative`, `figurtaive`, `fiugrative`, `ifgurative`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/figurative