(of language, words, phrases, etc. 语言、词语等 used in a way that is different from the usual meaning, in order to create a particular mental picture. For example, ‘He exploded with rage’ shows a figurative use of the verb ‘explode’. 比喻的 (of paintings, art, etc. 绘画、艺术等 showing people, animals and objects as they really look 形象的 a figurative artist 形象艺术家
Word OriginMiddle English: from late Latin figurativus, from figurare ‘to form or fashion’, from figura ‘shape, figure, form’; related to fingere ‘form, contrive’.