Spanish Conversation · Level 35
75 words
Spanish word
figurativo
Pronunciation
IPA/fiɣuɾaˈtiβo/
Meaning
- adjectivefigurative
Example
Su lenguaje es figurativo.
His language is figurative.
More examples
Su estilo figurativo facilita la interpretación simbólica.
His figurative style facilitates symbolic interpretation.
Core concept
A metaphorical comparison like 'time is a thief'.
Common phrases
estilo figurativo
figurative style
lenguaje figurativo
figurative language
Similar words
figurado: Presents an idea in nonliteral language, often as a turn of phrase.
metafórico: Likens one thing to another to illustrate a shared quality.
simbólico: Uses concrete objects or actions as signs to express abstract meanings.
Definition in Spanish
Indica que algo no debe tomarse de manera literal, usando metáforas, imágenes o comparaciones.
Word origin
Derives from Latin figura 'form, shape' plus the suffix -ivus, and through medieval Latin acquires the sense 'relating to figures or metaphors'.
Usage tips
- Often accompanied by the phrase en sentido figurado to signal nonliteral meaning, and speakers contrast it with literalmente to avoid confusion.
Other meanings
- representationaladjective
Opposites
- literalliteraladjective
Related words
- figurativamentefigurativelyadverb
- figuratividadfigurativenessnoun