\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.