figurative language

American  

[fig-yer-uh-tiv lang-gwij] / ˈfɪg yər ə tɪv ˈlæŋ gwɪdʒ /

noun

1. language that contains or uses figures of speech, especially metaphors.

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Usage

What does figurative language mean? Figurative language is language that’s intended to create an image, association, or other effect in the mind of the listener or reader that goes beyond the literal meaning or expected use of the words involved.For this reason, the word figurative is often thought of as the opposite of literal, which refers to the strict meaning of words. For example, the literal meaning of it stinks is “it smells bad.” The figurative meaning of it stinks is “it’s terrible.”Figurative language uses figures of speech, which are expressions like metaphors, similes, idioms, and personification, among many others. You know what special effects are in movies, right? Well, figurative language is like the special effects of words. (By the way, that last sentence was a simile—but more about that later.)Figurative language is used all the time: in poetry and literature for sure, but also in nonfiction writing and everyday speech—just about everywhere words are used. Using figurative language makes the things we say more expressive and more engaging. That’s because it gives us so many ways to express things that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to if we only used words literally.

Etymology

Origin of figurative language

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

But the singer never has to explain her figurative language to listeners because she’s taking us along the ride, assuming we know what she’s singing about.

From Salon

“I’m so used to this kudzu sprawl of figurative language,” she said, “and simple can feel like ‘see spot run,’ but there are simple words like prime integers that carry so much meaning when sung.”

From New York Times

The letter emphasizes rap’s artistry as “rooted in a long tradition of storytelling that privileges figurative language,” hyperbole and poetry.

From Washington Post

They must construct themselves through word and voice, through the indirection of figurative language and the contrivances of patterned rhythms and rhymes.

From New York Times

I suddenly cared very little about aesthetics and the nuances of figurative language.

From New York Times