fig·u·ra·tive 
/ˈfɪgjərətɪv/ adjective
/ˈfɪgjərətɪv/ adjective 1 of words, language, etc. : used with a meaning that is different from the basic meaning and that expresses an idea in an interesting way by using language that usually describes something else : not literal
▪ The phrase “know your ropes” means literally “to know a lot about ropes,” while its figurative meaning is “to know a lot about how to do something.” ▪ figurative language 2 : showing people and things in a way that resembles how they really look : not abstract
▪ figurative art
▪ The phrase “know your ropes” means literally “to know a lot about ropes,” while its figurative meaning is “to know a lot about how to do something.” ▪ figurative language
▪ figurative art
