Figurative

Figurative language departs from the literal meaning of words in order to achieve a special effect or meaning. Instead of stating a fact directly, it uses imagery, comparisons, and other literary devices to evoke feelings, paint pictures in the mind, or express complex ideas in a more engaging way. Figurative language enhances communication, adding layers of depth and interpretation to the text or speech. It is commonly found in poetry, literature, speeches, and even everyday conversations to make language more vivid and memorable.

Figurative meaning with examples

• The politician's speech was filled with Figurative language, using metaphors of stormy seas and treacherous paths to describe the current economic climate, painting a vivid and somewhat alarming picture.
• When she said her heart was an open book, she wasn't being literal; it was a Figurative expression, showing her willingness to share her feelings and experiences with others openly and honestly.
• Describing the argument as a 'battle of wits' used Figurative language to suggest a contest of intelligence and cleverness, rather than a physical confrontation, adding a layer of intellectual rivalry.
• Saying that the news hit him like a ton of bricks is a Figurative way of expressing the overwhelming shock and emotional impact of the unexpected and devastating information he just received.