The term figurative refers to something that is not literal or direct, but rather uses symbols, metaphors, similes and other figures of speech to express ideas, emotions or qualities in a creative way. Figurative language includes things like personification (when human attributes are given to non-human objects), hyperbole (exaggeration for emphasis) and irony (deliberate contrast between what is said and what is meant). In short, figurative means using symbols or exaggerations to convey meaning beyond the literal interpretation.