figurative

• Qualifie un langage qui utilise des images, comme des métaphores ou des comparaisons, pour exprimer un sens différent de l'interprétation littérale ; s'oppose à propre/sens propre.

Describes language that uses figures of speech, such as metaphors or similes, to convey a meaning different from the literal interpretation.

1. Not literalB2formal

   Using words in a way that is different from their usual meaning to create a special effect or picture in the reader's mind.

   figuré (sens figuré)

   • The phrase 'a sea of troubles' is a figurative expression.
   • She used figurative language to describe her emotions.
   • Poetry often relies on figurative meanings rather than literal ones.

   Synonymesallegoricalemblematicmetaphoricalnonliteralpoeticrepresentativesymbolic

   Antonymesexactliteralprosaic

2. RepresentationalB2formal

   Representing something by a figure or symbol; symbolic.

   figuratif

   • The painting is figurative, depicting a landscape rather than abstract shapes.
   • In figurative art, the subject is recognizable.
   • The statue is a figurative representation of justice.

   Synonymesemblematicfiguralrepresentationalrepresentativesymbolic

   Antonymesactualconcreteliteral