semi-figurative

sem·i-fig·ur·a·tive

S s

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [sem-ee, sem-ahy fig-yer-uh-tiv]
- /ˈsɛm i, ˈsɛm aɪ ˈfɪg yər ə tɪv/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [sem-ee, sem-ahy fig-yer-uh-tiv]
- /ˈsɛm i, ˈsɛm aɪ ˈfɪg yər ə tɪv/

Definitions of semi-figurative word

adjective semi-figurative of the nature of or involving a figure of speech, especially a metaphor; metaphorical and not literal: The word “head” has several figurative senses, as in “She's the head of the company.”. Synonyms: metaphorical, not literal, symbolic. 1
adjective semi-figurative metaphorically so called: His remark was a figurative boomerang. 1
adjective semi-figurative abounding in or fond of figures of speech: Elizabethan poetry is highly figurative. Synonyms: ornate, ornamental, flowery, elaborate, florid, grandiloquent. 1
adjective semi-figurative representing by means of a figure or likeness, as in drawing or sculpture. 1
adjective semi-figurative representing by a figure or emblem; emblematic. 1

before 1350

One of the 20% oldest English words

1350-1400; Middle English < Late Latin figūrātīvus (see figure) + -ive; replacing Middle English figuratif < Middle French

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 90% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.

Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

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