noun

figurative language

FIG-yer-uh-tiv LANG-gwij

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Figurative language (noun) means Words and phrases used in a way that departs from their literal meaning in order to create an image, comparison or effect, as in metaphor, simile, personification and hyperbole. Example: “The city never sleeps" is figurative language — a city cannot literally sleep.”

noun

Words and phrases used in a way that departs from their literal meaning in order to create an image, comparison or effect, as in metaphor, simile, personification and hyperbole.

""The city never sleeps" is figurative language — a city cannot literally sleep."

"Students were asked to underline every example of figurative language in the poem."

How to use figurative language

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSaying something in a way that is not literally true so as to paint a picture.

When to use it

Standard in schools and literary criticism; treated as an uncountable noun, so say "some figurative language", not "a figurative language".

Memory tip

The main types taught in class are metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, idiom, onomatopoeia and symbolism.

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Common pairings

types of figurative language use figurative language identify figurative language rich in figurative language

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “figurative language” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

"The city never sleeps" is _____ — a city cannot literally sleep.

Etymology

From Latin figura, meaning shape or form, via Old French figuratif.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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figures of speech imagery metaphorical language non-literal language

Antonyms

literal language

Related words

imagination graphics imaging imagery iconography

Rhymes for figurative language

age wage cage page rage gage sage mage usage image stage adage

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between figurative and literal language?

Literal language means exactly what the words say — "it is raining heavily". Figurative language means something other than the surface meaning to create an effect — "it is raining cats and dogs". The literal version is factual; the figurative version is imaginative.

Is an idiom figurative language?

Yes. An idiom such as "bite the bullet" or "spill the beans" cannot be worked out from the individual words, so it counts as figurative. Idioms differ from fresh metaphors in being fixed expressions that a whole speech community already knows.

Why do writers use figurative language?

It compresses a lot of meaning into few words, makes abstract ideas concrete, and gives writing a distinctive voice. A simile like "cold as a stone" conveys feel and mood faster than a plain description would.

What is the meaning of figurative language?

"figurative language" (noun) means words and phrases used in a way that departs from their literal meaning in order to create an image, comparison or effect, as in metaphor, simile, personification and hyperbole.

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imagination graphics imaging imagery iconography