What does nonfigurative mean?
Nonfigurative is an adjective meaning “not figurative,” with its principal modern use in the language of art. It describes work that does not aim to represent recognizable people, objects, scenes, or other subjects from the visible world. Such art may instead explore color, line, shape, texture, movement, or the relationship between forms. In this specialist sense, nonfigurative is close to abstract and nonrepresentational. It can also be used more broadly to describe language or communication that is direct and literal rather than metaphorical. The word is most common in art history, criticism, and discussion of painting, sculpture, and related practices. It is useful because it identifies a distinct approach to representation without implying that a work is decorative, childish, or without subject matter. A nonfigurative composition may be highly deliberate and conceptually rich even when it does not depict a recognizable object.
adjectiveNot figurative; specifically, relating to or consisting of abstract art that does not represent recognizable people, objects, or scenes.
- Relating to or characterized by art that does not represent recognizable people, objects, or scenes.
- Not figurative or metaphorical; literal in meaning or treatment.
"The museum's collection includes several examples of nonfigurative painting from the mid-twentieth century."
"The artist abandoned recognizable figures and developed a bold, nonfigurative style."
"His description of the agreement was deliberately nonfigurative, leaving no room for metaphor."
Nonfigurative art does not depict a recognizable world; it turns color, shape, and texture into the subject itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nonfigurative come from?
The word is formed in English by combining the prefix non- with figurative. Figurative comes through French from Latin figurativus, which was derived from figura, meaning “figure,” “shape,” or “form.” The prefix non- has long been used in English to form words meaning “not” or “without,” and nonfigurative follows that established pattern.
Related word forms
How nonfigurative is actually used
The term is chiefly associated with art and art criticism. In general writing, it is relatively uncommon; literal or nonmetaphorical may sound more natural when describing language or meaning.