What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
figural
Example
The artist's figural paintings were characterized by bold colors and geometric shapes. [figural: adjective]
Example
The art exhibit featured a collection of figural sculptures that challenged traditional notions of form and representation. [figural: noun]
representational
Example
The painting was a representational portrait of the artist's mother. [representational: adjective]
Example
The sculpture was a representational depiction of a famous historical figure. [representational: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Representational is more commonly used than figural in everyday language, especially when referring to traditional or classical art. However, figural is still used in the context of modern or contemporary art.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between figural and representational?
Both figural and representational can be used in formal or informal contexts, but representational may be more appropriate in formal settings due to its association with classical art and realism.
