late 14c., "emblematical," from Old French figuratif "metaphorical," from Late Latin figurativus "figurative" (of speech), from figurat-, past participle stem of Latin figurare "to form, shape," from figura "a shape, form, figure" (see figure (n.)). Of speech, language, etc., "allegorical, metaphoric, involving figures of speech," from late 14c. Related: Figuratively.
双语例句
1. He imprisoned her, in a figurative sense.
在比喻的意义上,他把她关在牢里了.
来自《简明英汉词典》
2. His career spanned some 50 years and encompassed both abstract and figurative painting.
他的职业生涯延续了大约50年，作品既有抽象画也有写实画。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Here the word is used in a figurative sense.
这里该字是在比喻的意义上使用的.
来自辞典例句
4. This figurative habit of his mind crippled his judgement.
