figuration
/ˌfi-g(y)ə-ˈrā-shən/ (ame, mw)
figuration — noun
1. the shape or visible outline of a thing, especially when its outer form is what
the shape or visible outline of a thing, especially when its outer form is what someone notices first.
The figuration of the old vase struck Eshe as more elegant than its painted pattern.
noun phrase: figuration of [object]
Yara sketched the rough figuration of the mountain before adding any colour.
Architects study the figuration of leaves to design new building shapes.
From the boat, Christopher could just make out the dark figuration of the island.
用法筆記
Mostly used in art, design, or scientific description; everyday speakers prefer 'shape' or 'outline'.
2. the work of making a figure — that is, a drawn, sculpted, or modelled shape that
the work of making a figure — that is, a drawn, sculpted, or modelled shape that stands for a person, animal, or object.
Felix studied the figuration of clay animals at the village pottery school.
figuration of [crafted-object]
Stone figuration was a slow craft that took Bao many months to master.
The exhibition explained the figuration of human bodies in early Greek sculpture.
Constanza taught her students about the figuration of saints in old church windows.
- modelling
narrower — usually three-dimensional shaping
- representation
broader — any way of standing for something, not only as a figure
用法筆記
Subject is usually a craft, tradition, or artist (not an everyday action). Distinguish from sense 3: this names the act of producing the figure; sense 3 names a particular finished representation.
3. a particular drawn or carved image that represents an idea by means of figures a
a particular drawn or carved image that represents an idea by means of figures and shapes — for example, a snake biting its tail as a figuration of eternity.
On the temple ceiling, Adina pointed out a figuration of the four seasons.
a figuration of [abstract idea]
The carved lion above the gate is a figuration of courage and royal power.
[concrete image] is a figuration of [quality]
Sari described the painting's central figure as a figuration of grief.
Old maps often contain small figurations of sea monsters around the edges.
用法筆記
Object of the preposition 'of' is typically an abstract idea (eternity, courage, grief). Distinguish from sense 2: this is a single finished image; sense 2 is the act of making one.
4. short, often repeated patterns of notes added around a main melody to decorate i
short, often repeated patterns of notes added around a main melody to decorate it in a piece of music.
Arjun added a light figuration to the slow piano line in the second movement.
add [light/heavy] figuration to [musical line]
Élise's playing turned the simple hymn into a rich web of figuration.
Eric explained that Baroque composers loved fast figuration on the harpsichord.
Anthony marked every figuration in the score with a red pencil before rehearsal.
- ornamentation
broader musical term covering trills, turns, and figuration
- embellishment
everyday alternative; less technical
用法筆記
Used by musicians, teachers, and critics. Typical objects: 'piano line', 'hymn', 'melody'. Common with adjectives 'light', 'rich', 'fast'.