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. Example: “The city never sleeps" is figurative language — a city cannot literally sleep.”
How to use figurative language
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSaying something in a way that is not literally true so as to paint a picture.
Standard in schools and literary criticism; treated as an uncountable noun, so say "some figurative language", not "a figurative language".
The main types taught in class are metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, idiom, onomatopoeia and symbolism.
Trace the full origin ↓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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for figurative language
See all rhymes for figurative language →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.