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 • Sep. 2, 2024

The writer presents an artifact with some description but uses little or no figurative language.

From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021

You may reflect by using literary elements such as imagery or figurative language that help develop the theme or message.

From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021

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 • Mar. 4, 2021

So crowded is our stock of figurative language that every profession—legal, corporate, fashion, artistic, literary, and so on—seems to have a collection all its own.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner