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.

2. Used in a sense that is tropical, as a metaphor; not literal; -- applied to words and expressions.

3. Abounding 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.

-- Fig"ur*a*tive*ly, adv. -- Fig"ur*a*tive*ness, n.

• Metaphorical, as opposed to literal, a form of speech in which figures of speech are applied and there is an intention for the reader to understand a deeper meaning than the face-value of the words. Also known as "reading between the lines."
       quotations:
       *"The lovers she seems to pursue with her figurative language in fact retreat under the barrage of similes, metaphors and fables." — New York Times, May 1, 2005
  
• Metaphorically so called
  
• With many figures of speech
  
• Emblematic