Figurical

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Expressed through figures of speech or symbols rather than in a literal, plain sense
2. Using metaphor, allegory or symbolic representation instead of the exact, literal meaning of words
3. Relating to imagery or symbolic language, as opposed to direct and straightforward description

Etymology: "Figurical" is a rare, largely obsolete adjective meaning figurative, or relating to language that works through imagery rather than literal statement. It comes from "figure," which passed through Old French from Latin "figura," meaning shape or form. That Latin noun is linked to "fingere," to shape or mold, so the root idea is something formed into a pattern. The ending doubles up. "Figurical" adds "-al" to "figuric," an adjective formed on "figure" with the Latin-derived "-ic" suffix. English does the same thing in "historical," built from "historic" plus "-al."