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.
Hooker.
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.
J. A. Symonds.
Figurative counterpoint or descant. See under Figurate.
-- Fig"ur*a*tive*ly, adv. -- Fig"ur*a*tive*ness, n.
Fig"ure (fg"r; 135), n. [F., figure, L. figura; akin to fingere to
form, shape, feign. See Feign.] 1. The form of anything; shape;
outline; appearance.
Flowers have all exquisite figures.
Bacon.
2. The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling,
carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human
body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble.
A coin that bears the figure of an angel.
Shak.
3. A pattern in cloth, paper, or other manufactured article; a design
wrought out in a fabric; as, the muslin was of a pretty figure.
4. (Geom.) A diagram or drawing; made to represent a magnitude or the
relation of two or more magnitudes; a surface or space inclosed on all
sides; -- called superficial when inclosed by lines, and solid when
inclosed by surfaces; any arrangement made up of points, lines, angles,
surfaces, etc.
5. The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a
person; as, a sorry figure.