Figurative Language

To truly understand English, you must have some knowledge of the most common types of figurative language.

Click Here for Step-by-Step Rules, Stories and Exercises to Practice All English Tenses

What does figurative mean?

Figurative means that words are used in a way that is different from the usual meaning. That way the description is more interesting or impressive. Figurative language creates a picture in your mind.

For example: He is about to explode! We do not mean to say that the man will actually explode. We only want to say that he is extremely angry. So we use the verb "explode" in a figurative way. In other words, we use a word that usually describes something else. That way the description is more interesting. It creates a certain picture in the mind.

The opposite of figurative is literal

Literal means that you mean what you say exactly.

For example: He is about to explode! Here we do mean to say that the man will actually explode. The man holds fireworks, and it looks dangerous enough to explode. So here we use the verb "explode" in a literal way. In other words, we use the usual meaning of the word.

Figurative comes from the word figure (also figure of speech).

• A figure of speech is a word or phrase used in a different way from its usual meaning in order to express a particular meaning.
  
  In the about example, "explode" is a figure of speech.

Literal comes from the Latin word littera, which means "letter."

Jump to:

• Figurative or Literal
  
  
• Figurative Language Definition
  
  
• Types of Figurative Language

To get a better understanding of figurative language, let's look at some common figurative sayings:


This is an example of figurative language.

This sentence does not mean that Sam is actually an animal.


This sentence is a figure of speech meaning that Sam is very messy and does not have good manners.



This is another example of figurative language.

This sentence does not mean that Beth had a cat in a bag and let it out.


Native English speakers understand this sentence is figurative language meaning that Beth told Lisa the secret about the surprise party.

Figurative or Literal

To truly understand figurative language, you must first understand the terms "figurative" and "literal."
If a statement is "literal" it is true. You can believe every word. When you say something "literally," you mean exactly what you say.


This is a literal statement because the writer thinks the lady looks beautiful. The writer is simply stating that she looks beautiful.


This is a literal statement. The writer means that the man is big and strong.

These statements are literal and can sometimes be boring! To add interest, writers often write in a figurative way.
"Figurative" is the opposite of "literal." You do not believe a figurative statement word for word. When you say something "figuratively," you are usually making a comparison to give a description or make a point.



This is a figurative statement, because a person can't really look exactly like money. The statement means that she is well dressed and looks beautiful.



This is also a figurative statement because a person cannot be as big as an elephant. The statement means he is very large. The writer compares the man to an elephant to help the reader visualize the large, strong man!

Figurative language definition

Figurative language is a word or phrase that cannot be taken literally.

Writers use figurative language to describe things, people, or ideas.

Common reasons to use figurative language:

• for comparison
  
  
• for emphasis or stress
  
  
• to make something clear
  
  
• to say something in a new way
  
  
• to help the reader/listener form a picture in their mind
  
  
• to make a story or poem interesting
  
  

If used correctly, figurative language can greatly improve your writing and speaking.

When reading, speaking, or writing in English, it is important to understand the meaning of some common figures of speech.

First, let's look at definitions and examples of the most common types of figurative language. 

Types of figurative language

There are several common types of figurative language used in the English language.

Simile and metaphor

Similes and metaphors are the two most common types of figurative language. They are both used to compare two different things that do not usually go together.

The difference between simile and metaphor is that a simile uses the words "like" or "as" and a metaphor does not.

with like / as => simile

without like / as => metaphor

A) A simile is a comparison of two different things using the words "like" or "as."

B) A metaphor is a comparison of two different things, without "like" or "as."  

Click here for the full article on the simile and metaphor in English.

Idiom

An idiom is a commonly used phrase that does not mean what it says. It cannot be taken literally. There are many common idioms in the English language.

Knowing the meanings of common idioms will help you understand American English better. For a list of some commonly used idioms and their meanings, click here: Idiom examples


Click here for the full article on English idioms.

Hyperbole

A hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration. Hyperboles are usually used to make a point. Hyperboles cannot be taken literally.


Click here for the full article on the hyperbole in English.

Personification

Personification is when a human characteristic is given to something that is not human, such as an object or an animal. Writers personify objects to provide good descriptions.

Click here for the full article on personification in English.

Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of the initial sound in a series of words. Alliteration is commonly found in poetry and rhymes.

Click here for the full article on alliteration in English.

Onomatopoeia

[on-uh-mat-uh-pee-uh]

Onomatopoeias are words used to describe a sound.


Click here for the full article on the onomatopoeia in English.

Cliché

A cliché is a common expression that has been overused. Clichés can be other types of figurative language.


Click here for the full article on the cliché in English.

Pun

A pun is a play on words. Puns are meant to be clever and funny. Many jokes are actually puns.

There are two ways to create a pun:


Click here for the full article on the pun in English.

Click here to learn about English Proverbs too.

Irony

Irony is when someone says or does something, but means another thing or intends for something else to happen.


For example:

Nick just got an F on his test. Maria looks at Nick and says, "Good job! You must have studied hard."

Does Maria really mean "good job"? No! Maria is using verbal irony to be sarcastic.


Click here for the full article on irony in English: verbal irony, dramatic irony, and situational irony.

Paradoxes, Oxymorons, and Contradictory Statements

See also our lessons on Paradoxes, Oxymorons, and Contradictory and Statements and How Euphemism Is Used: Euphemism Meaning and Examples.

This was just an overview of each type of figurative language. To learn more about a specific type, click the links to the full articles.

Now that you have learned about the types of figurative language, it is time to review and practice with this figurative language quiz!

This was an overview of figurative language. Now that you understand it, it is time to practice! Get our ESL Books.

Please share this page with others: