figurative
Speaking in symbols
Figurative describes language that departs from literal meaning to create effect—metaphor, simile, hyperbole.
When you say someone has a heart of gold, you're speaking figuratively.
The term extends to visual art that represents recognizable forms, as opposed to abstract art: figurative painting.
The opposite of figurative is literal.
Implied identity comparison
- simileComparison via "as"
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- hyperboleRhetorical extreme exaggeration
- ironyMeaning opposite to words
personification · metonymy · synecdoche · oxymoron · paradox · allusion · analogy · symbolism
Implied sense, not dictionary
- subtextImplicit meaning beneath words
- implicationIndirect suggestion or consequence
- innuendoOblique disparaging remark
- nuanceSlight shade of difference
suggestion · insinuation · overtone · undertone · double meaning · hidden meaning · deeper meaning · reading between lines
Condensed version of text
- conceptualOf or relating to ideas
- representationalDepicting recognizable subjects
- notionalConceptual, not concrete
- theoreticalBased on hypothesis, untested
allegorical · parabolic · analogical · comparative · illustrative · extended · loose · broad
Intensely clear and bright
- colorfulFull of varied hues
- poeticOf or like verse
- lyricalMusically expressive
- evocativeTending to summon memories
expressive · descriptive · picturesque · imaginative · flowery · ornate · embellished · elaborate
metaphor
Implied identity comparison
- simileComparison via "as"
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- hyperboleRhetorical extreme exaggeration
irony · personification · metonymy · synecdoche · oxymoron · paradox · allusion · analogy · symbolism · imagery
connotation
Implied sense, not dictionary
- subtextImplicit meaning beneath words
- implicationIndirect suggestion or consequence
- innuendoOblique disparaging remark
nuance · suggestion · insinuation · overtone · undertone · double meaning · hidden meaning · deeper meaning · reading between lines · nonliteral
abstract
Condensed version of text
- conceptualOf or relating to ideas
- representationalDepicting recognizable subjects
- notionalConceptual, not concrete
theoretical · allegorical · parabolic · analogical · comparative · illustrative · extended · loose · broad · general
vivid
Intensely clear and bright
evocative · expressive · descriptive · picturesque · imaginative · flowery · ornate · embellished · elaborate · fanciful
emblem
Representational sign or device
representation · archetype · motif · token · cipher · stand-in · proxy · avatar · personification · embodiment
- art termspainting, sculpture, drawing, portrait, landscape
- paintingoil painting, watercolor, acrylic paint, oils, oil paints
- art adjectivesbold, bright, colorful, dark, delicate
- artworksoil painting, watercolor, portrait, drawing, sketch
- descriptive wordsadjective, adverb, vivid, detailed, colorful
- Language Wordsverbal, oral, written, spoken, fluent
figurativeabstract
Condensed version of text
nonfigurative · nonrepresentational · nonobjective · geometric · minimalist
figurativeliteral
Meaning exactly what's said
nonfigurative · denotative · straightforward · explicit · direct
- figurative artArt depicting recognizable subjects
- figurative languageNon-literal modes of expression
- figurative speechLanguage beyond literal meaning
- figurative expressionNonliteral use of language
- figurative meaningNon-literal intended significance