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Literally vs. Figuratively: What’s the Difference?

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Literally is a word that is thrown around quite loosely these days. You will often hear it dropped into casual conversation to describe circumstances or events that cannot by any means be meant literally . So in order to keep our writing precise and accurate, today I want to go over the differences between literally and figuratively.

After reading today’s post, you should have all of the information you need to make sure people are using these two words correctly in their writing and in their speech.

When to Use Literally

• I made a literal translation of this essay.
• I told him to go jump off a cliff; I hope he didn’t take me literally.

Despite meaning exact, without exaggeration, metaphor, or allegory, literally has been used to varying degrees of inexactness since the early 19th century.

Today, many people use it as an intensifier, although its intensive use often has nothing to do with what is “literal.” For example,

• They were literally thrown to the wolves.

Unless the people in this sentence were actually being thrown to a pack of wolves, the sentence should be rewritten. Here are a few more common examples,

If someone were on a hot streak on the basketball court, he might say,

• I was literally on fire.

Or if someone tells a funny joke at the office, he might say,

• I was laughing so hard that I literally almost died.

This is a phenomenon that is quite common in people’s speech, but in formal writing—such as school papers, news articles, and professional journals—it is not accepted.

When to Use Figuratively

Figuratively is also an adjective, but its meaning is quite different from literally . Figuratively is defined as based on or making use of figures of speech; metaphorical . So while literally means free from any metaphor or allegory, figurative deals specifically with these kinds of figures of speech. For example,

• She broke the figurative ceiling that was holding her back.
• I could figuratively eat an entire cow right now.

As you can see, figuratively means in an analogous sense, not an exact one. In fact, some dictionaries even define figuratively as departing from a literal use of words , so these two words could not be any more different in their meanings.

Remember the Difference

A good way to remember the difference between these two words is to look at the word figur atively. It has the word figur e in it and using figur ative language is using language with figur es of speech, like metaphors and analogies.

If you’re going to maintain precision in your writing, it is absolutely essential that you keep these two words separated and make sure to use them only when appropriate.

Literally means word for word and means in an exact sense. It should not be used loosely as an intensifier.

Figuratively has the exact opposite meaning of literally and means in an analogous, but not exact, sense.

Difference Between Literal and Figurative Language

What is the Difference Between Literal and Figurative Language?

What is literal language, what is figurative language, why use literal language, why use figurative language.

The words you use in both written and oral communication are a form of expression. The types of language you use often depend on what you are trying to convey. Sometimes, the goal is to be direct and to the point to express exactly what you mean. Other times, the goal is to make the reader think or draw a conclusion. Literal and figurative languages are often taught in English language classes, and can be used in many ways across languages and linguistics in general.

As a writer, or speaker, it is important to first, ‌ know your audience ‌. Understanding your reader or listener is important to decide what type of language you should use to convey your message most effectively. Additionally, it is important to have a clear understanding of the point of your message. Knowing this will help you determine if you should use literal or figurative language. Additionally, it is important to understand the differences between literal and figurative language.

Literal language by definition does not use figures of speech. Instead, literal language uses the ‌ actual ‌ meanings of words or phrases in their exact sense. Literal language is very straightforward and to the point. Literal language is precise and often tells the reader exactly the point. The reader or listener does not have to extract meaning. Literal language uses a literal meaning to describe the subject or action in a figure of speech.

In contrast, figurative language uses different figures of speech to make the content more persuasive or to have a ‌ greater impact ‌. Figurative language uses figures of speech such as metaphors, similes or an oxymoron to make the ‌ message more meaningful ‌. A writer uses figurative language to create more interesting and often colorful content. Figurative language uses figurative meanings to compare or describe something in a non-literal way.

The main difference between literal and figurative language is complexity. What is the literal language definition and examples? Literal language is ‌ not complex ‌. Literal language is precise, and expresses exactly what the author or speaker means. Literal language does not use confusing words or does it encourage the reader to think beyond what is being said. Literal language ‌ expresses the main point ‌. Being able to use both literal and figurative language allows for someone to improve cognition and connotation in their writing and spoken language.

On the other hand, figurative language may take interpretation on the part of the reader. This language tends to be more complex and is not always very straightforward. Figurative language often uses symbolism, requiring the reader or listener to think beyond the words that are written. This type of language uses literary devices instead of relying on the actual meaning of words or phrases. It is always helpful to know the differences between literal vs. figurative languages as different meanings to different phrases can allow you to be in-the-know in a situation or confused about a certain setting or saying.

Literal language is often used within the fields of science and research. You might consider using literal language when writing a term paper on the defectiveness of alternative energy solutions. If you were writing a paper in chemistry class, the use of precise, straightforward language would be the best option. These literary writings use the literal sense to describe things in writing and language. Literary language should be used when the goal is to give an explicit explanation. Authors use literal language when they want to get their point across in a ‌ direct manner ‌.

Figurative language does have a place, however. Figurative language is often used in poetry or narrative fiction. If you were writing a paper that compares and contrasts medieval female characters, you may want to include some figurative language. Figurative language can also be very helpful in persuasive papers, too, as a type of semantic. Authors will use figurative language when the goal is to ‌ persuade the reader or evoke emotion ‌. Figurative language can be used to describe inanimate objects as well as give creativity to short stories or spoken language in different settings using a specific use of words.

Examples of Figurative Language

There are five types of figurative language:

• Understatement or Emphasis – highlight or diminish on idea
• Relationships – focus on how things are interrelated
• Figures of Sound – how the words actually sound
• Errors – highlighting a mistake
• Verbal Games – plays on words

If done effectively, figurative language can highlight contrasting ideas and evoke the reader to think in a new way or change a perspective. Figurative language can highlight one area, like an area of weakness, to ultimately highlight another.

In order to accomplish these forms of figurative language, you can incorporate several types of ‌ literary devices ‌. Literary devices include simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, oxymoron, hyperbole, allusion, idiom, alliteration, irony, pun and sarcasm. You can find figurative and literal language worksheets as PDF documents online.

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• City University of New York: Literary Terms
• Enotes: What Is the Difference Between Literal and Figurative Langugae?

Melanie Forstall has a doctorate in education and has worked in the field of education for over 20 years. She has been a teacher, grant writer, program director, and higher education instructor. She is a freelance writer specializing in education, and education related content. She writes for We Are Teachers, School Leaders Now, Classroom, Pocket Sense, local parenting magazines, and other professional academic outlets. Additionally, she has co-authored book chapters specializing in providing services for students with disabilities.

Literally vs. Figuratively – What’s the Difference?

| Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

Because of their double definitions, many people, especially younger people, find it challenging to know what a term or phrase means. Especially when the terms are being used incorrectly with phrases like, “I’m literally dying”. Yes, it can be true, which makes it literal, but it’s often a figure of speech to exaggerate how you feel, making it figurative.

It can be confusing so I’ll break it down further. Keep reading to know the difference between literally and figuratively. I also provided examples of how to use these words in a sentence.

Literally vs. Figuratively: The Facts on Differences and Use

Some words’ usage have double meanings. Literally is an adverb that refers to the literal meaning or exact sense of a word or phrase. Meanwhile, figuratively means in its figurative sense or metaphorically.

Similes, hyperboles, and metaphors are examples of words and phrases with figurative meanings. “Costs an arm and leg” is a phrase whose meaning is entirely different from the literal meaning.

For me, you’ll often hear me saying, “these edits are killing me.” This is usually in regard to the notes my editor sends back and I have to rewrite half my book. It’s not actually killing me, but it gets the point across.

What Does It Mean When Someone is Literal?

When someone is literal, it means they are communicating words and statements primarily or ordinarily. There’s no need to use much imagination to understand their speech or writing.

In the same way, when you’re literally speaking, it means you’re speaking in a literal or strict sense. Other words for literally include in black-and-white terms, verbatim, word for word, to the letter, exactly, and faithfully.

Literally comes from the Late Latin word litteralis or literali. This means of or belonging to letters or writing. It comes from the word litera or littera, meaning letter, alphabetic sign, literature, or books.

• The university literally welcomed ten thousand new students because of its new building.
• I’ve literally been watching crime documentaries since 6 AM.
• I literally met him when I was eighteen years old.
• Foreign students who worked at Oxford University Press literally worked ten hours a day.
• My aunt from Nebraska is literally my last living relative.

Literally was first used in 1525. However, it changed its meaning over time in the 19th century, becoming an intensifier.

Another standard American English use of literally is an expression of strong emotion or humor. This contradictory meaning opposes the central meaning of literally, without exaggeration.

In colloquial speech, we can say that literally can mean its exact opposite, figuratively.

• Generations of students literally bawled their eyes out after the death of their beloved professor.
• I miss you so much I could literally run to your city right now.
• Twelve lemons cost ten cents. They’re literally a dime a dozen.

While dictionaries recognize this, literally’s informal meaning is unacceptable in formal writing or speech. It’d help if you only used it to add humor to nonliteral statements.

What Does It Mean to be Speaking Figuratively?

When someone speaks figuratively, it means what they’re saying isn’t precisely what they mean.

Aside from meaning not literally or not in a literal sense, figuratively means involving a figure of speech or of nature of in the English language. The word also refers to a hyperbolic meaning or symbolic meaning of a term or phrase.

That means when you are figuratively speaking, you are referring to a figure of speech or figurative language because you’re not talking about the exact meaning.

Other words for figuratively include metaphorically, nonliterally, allegorically, emblematically, imaginatively, and poetically.

The adjective form of the adverb figuratively is figurative. This word originates in 1350-1400 from the Middle English word figuratif. It also comes from the Latin word figūrātīvus.

• The opportunity will figuratively knock at your door.

This statement does not literally mean an opportunity will knock at your bedroom door.

The figurative usage or inexact usage of this statement refers to when a chance of success happens. You can use this expression when you get the opportunity to do something you need or want to do.

Here are other examples of figuratively in a sentence:

• I hope we cross paths again, figuratively speaking.
• Leaving your steady job to start a business is figuratively life or death.
• Mrs. Gilmore has a lot on her plate, figuratively speaking.
• A nautical star tattoo will figuratively help you navigate through life.
• Old writers used a beehouse or hive figuratively to mean a place of industry.

You don’t need to use the word figuratively if your reader might not instantly understand that you’re speaking figuratively. Here are some sentence examples that use figures of speech without the word figuratively.

• My neighbor’s plants are begging to be watered.
• It’s raining cats and dogs.
• Swim like a fish.

The correct usage of figurative language is in creative writing or casual conversation. You can also find it in colloquial usage.

Bad usage of figurative speech is when you convey the wrong message or tone. Some texts require you to make your writing precise.

For example, avoid using figurative language like “I will knock down the walls for you” in cover letters, business documents, academic writing, and other formal writing. These documents do not need the use of idiomatic phrases or any hyperbolic phrase.

Another meaning of figuratively is represented by a drawing, sculpture, figure, or emblem.

Here’s an example of figuratively in a sentence:

• The researchers expressed the statistics figuratively through a bar graph.

Literally and Figuratively at the Same Time

A word or phrase’s secondary usage notes that something can be taken literally and figuratively simultaneously . This is an example of verbal irony. Other examples of verbal irony include sarcasm and pretending to be ignorant to show that someone else is ignorant.

How to Remember the Difference

A way to remember the difference is to look at the first few letters of the words. Figuratively has the word figur in it, and so does figures of speech. Both figuratively and figures of speech relate to metaphorical statements.

Final Word on Literally and Figuratively

Discussions of language can be challenging but still possible to learn. Now you know the difference between the meaning of literally and figuratively. I’ve also shown you examples of how to use them in sentences.

Use literally when referring to the actual-non-metaphorical meaning or primary sense of a term. Use figuratively when you mean not literally or when referring to the metaphorical sense of a phrase or word.

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Figurative Language: Simile and Other Types of Figures of Speech

• By Judhajit Sen
• September 12, 2024

Figure of speech definition is the use of words or phrases in a way that goes beyond their everyday, actual meanings. It creates a special effect or paints a mental picture to help the reader or listener better understand or feel something. Unlike literal language, which is straightforward, figurative speech adds color and depth to writing and speech.

Different figures of speech help make complex ideas clearer, descriptions more vivid, and messages more powerful. For example, saying “time is a thief” is a metaphor that helps convey the idea that time can take away moments from us, much like a thief would steal.

Figurative language types are used in many forms of communication, from literature and poetry to everyday conversations, advertising slogans, and even newspaper headlines. It can make writing more interesting and engaging by creating emotional, visual, or sensory connections, making it easier for the listeners to relate to the content.

Key Takeaways

• Figurative Language Enhances Communication: Common figures of speech make writing more vivid and engaging by going beyond actual meanings. They help paint pictures in the reader’s mind and convey complex ideas more clearly.
• Metaphors and Similes: Similes use “like” or “as” to compare two different things, while metaphors make direct comparisons without these terms. Both techniques help create vivid imagery and deeper understanding.
• Hyperbole and Personification: Hyperbole involves exaggerated statements to emphasize a point or add humor, while personification figure of speech gives human traits to non-human elements, making descriptions more relatable and dynamic.
• Diverse Uses: Figurative language is prevalent in literature, everyday conversations, and advertising. Understanding and using these techniques can make communication more impactful and memorable.

Figurative Language: Simile, Metaphor, and Other Types of Figures of Speech

A simile is a figurative type of speech that compares two different things using the words “like,” “as,” or “than.” The objective is to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind by highlighting a specific characteristic that two things share. For instance, saying, “The boy was as brave as a lion in the jungle,” helps the reader picture a boy showing courage just like a lion, known for its bravery in the wild. 

This type of figurative speech is common in everyday language and is used to make descriptions more colorful and engaging. For example, when you say, “The assistant was as busy as a bee,” you parallel the assistant’s activity to that of a bee, known for its hard work. Another example is, “Andrew was white as a sheet after he stepped out of the horror movie,” which vividly conveys how frightened he was.

Other such figure of speech examples include:

– “They fought like cats and dogs,” showing a fierce argument.

– “Her love for her children is as constant as the passing of time,” indicating unwavering affection.

By using comparisons, this type of figurative speech helps the audience connect with and better understand the subject being described.

A metaphor is a way of describing something by saying it is something else, without using “like” or “as.” This figure of speech makes a direct comparison between two different things to create a vivid picture or deeper understanding. For example, saying “Time is money” parallels time to money to show how valuable it is. The statement doesn’t mean that time literally equals money, but it emphasizes that time should be spent wisely, just like money.

This type of figurative speech can make writing more engaging and help readers connect with the meaning behind terms. For instance, saying “Love is a battlefield” suggests that love can be challenging and full of conflicts. Another example, “He was an onion,” shows that someone might have many layers to their personality that need to be peeled back to be understood.

Sometimes, this kind of figurative speech can stretch over several sentences or even a whole piece of writing. These are called extended metaphors. They help deepen the meaning by continuing the comparison for a longer time. For example, “The tall trees were curtains that surrounded us during our picnic” creates a picture of trees as if they were curtains, giving a sense of privacy and enclosure.

This type of expression of speech is a powerful tool in language because it enables writers and speakers to express complex ideas simply and creatively, helping the audience see things in a new light.

This figure of speech uses extreme exaggeration to emphasize a point, add emotion, or create humor. It’s so over-the-top that no one would actually believe the statement is true, but that’s what makes it effective. You likely use this type of figurative speech in everyday conversations without even realizing it.

For instance, when someone says, “I’ve told you a million times to wash the dishes,” they don’t mean a million times. They just want to stress how often they’ve made that request. This kind of figurative speech adds color and drama, making the message stand out.

Other common examples include:

– “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”

– “This bag weighs a ton.”

– “You snore like a freight train.”

This type of figurative speech can also bring humor or urgency to a situation. For example, saying, “If I don’t eat soon, I’m going to die of hunger,” doesn’t mean you will actually die. It just emphasizes how extremely hungry you feel.

By using this kind of figurative speech, writers and speakers can make their language more lively, vivid, and memorable.

Personification

Personification is a form of figurative speech where human characteristics are given to non-human objects, animals, or abstract ideas. This technique makes descriptions more vivid and relatable, helping readers identify with the text on a deeper level. By using this figure of speech, writers can bring life to inanimate objects or ideas, making them feel as if they have emotions, intentions, or actions like a human being.

For instance, saying “The sun greeted me when I woke up” gives the sun the human ability to greet, sparking the imagination of readers. Other examples of this kind of figurative speech include: “The car brakes screamed all through the journey,” or “The computer argued with me and refused to work.” In each case, the non-human subjects are described as if they have human traits or actions.

This figurative speech type can add color and interest to writing, allowing readers to visualize and emotionally engage with the subject matter. It makes the description more dynamic and memorable, helping to create a more engaging reading experience.

Synecdoche is a type of figurative speech where a part of something is used to represent the whole, or the whole is used to represent a part. It’s a way to make language more vivid and engaging by using familiar parts to describe something larger or vice versa.

For example, when someone says “a set of wheels,” they often mean a car. Here, “wheels,” which are just a part of the car, represent the entire vehicle. Similarly, referring to a businessman as “a suit” uses a piece of clothing to represent the person wearing it.

Other examples of synecdoche include:

– “Bread” to mean food in general or money.

– “Head” to count people or cattle.

– “Hired hands” to refer to workers.

Synecdoche can also work in the opposite way, using a whole to refer to a part. For example, when people say “New England won the game,” they are referring to the New England football team, not the entire region. Another example is “The White House issued a statement,” where the whole building represents the President or their administration.

Synecdoche adds color to language by making it more concise and imaginative, helping listeners and readers visualize and understand the context more easily.

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia refers to words that mimic or resemble the sounds they describe. These terms make writing more vivid and engaging by bringing the sound of the action to life for the reader. They help create a sense of reality, making it easier to imagine the scene.

Common examples of this type of figure of speech include words like “buzz,” “bang,” “splash,” and “roar.” When you read a sentence like, “The alarm clock buzzed,” you can almost hear the annoying sound it makes. Or consider, “The water splashed all over the car” — the term “splash” mimics the sound of water hitting a surface. 

Using onomatopoeia can add drama, humor, or intensity to a narrative. It brings emotions and situations to life, whether it’s the “hiss” of a fireplace, the “roar” of a truck engine, or the “grumble” of a hungry stomach. These words capture the essence of the sounds around us, enhancing the reader’s experience.

An oxymoron is a figurative language where two opposite or contradictory terms are placed together to create a new meaning or emphasize a point. It often uses an adjective followed by a noun. This combination of conflicting ideas can create a striking or memorable description.

For example, in the phrase “jumbo shrimp,” the words “jumbo” and “shrimp” seem to contradict each other. “Jumbo” suggests something large, while “shrimp” usually refers to something small. However, when paired, they create a unique meaning that catches the reader’s attention. Similarly, the expression “thoughtless idea” brings together two conflicting ideas to highlight a point in an unexpected way.

Oxymorons are commonly used in writing and speech to add depth or humor. Phrases like “loud silence,” “awfully good,” or “ever-flowing stillness” use contradiction to make a point more vividly or provoke thought. The use of oxymoron can make language more interesting and add a layer of complexity to simple statements.

Litotes is a figurative language that uses understatement to emphasize a point. It often involves using a double negative to express a positive meaning. Instead of directly stating something, this figure of speech affirms an idea by negating its opposite. This form of speech can often have a subtle, sometimes sarcastic tone.

For example, saying “I can’t say I disagree” is another way of saying “I agree.” Similarly, the phrase “She’s not unkind” means “She is kind.” Other examples include “A million dollars is no small chunk of change,” which emphasizes that a million dollars is a significant amount.

Litotes is an effective way to add emphasis or irony to a statement, making the language more interesting and engaging.

An idiom is a phrase or saying whose meaning is different from the actual meaning of the terms used. These phrases are common in everyday language and are often unique to specific cultures and languages. Idioms can be hard for language learners to understand because their true meaning isn’t obvious from the words themselves.

For example, if someone says, “I have a frog in my throat,” it doesn’t mean they actually have a frog in their throat. Instead, it means they are having trouble speaking, often due to a sore throat or hoarseness. 

Other idioms include “green thumb,” which means someone is good at gardening, or “raining cats and dogs,” which describes heavy rain. Another example is “throw in the towel,” which means to give up. These expressions make language colorful but can be confusing for those who don’t know their figurative meaning.

Alliteration

Alliteration is a literary tool where the same consonant sound is repeated at the beginning of several terms close to each other. This literary device often highlights an emotion or enhances a description. It creates a rhythmic or melodic effect that can make phrases more memorable.

For example, in “She sells seashells by the seashore,” the repetition of the “s” sound makes the line catchy and engaging. Another example is “The pitter-patter of paws echoed down the hallway,” where the repetition of the “p” sound emphasizes the soft noise of the paws.

Alliteration can also be seen in tongue twisters, where the repeated sounds challenge pronunciation, like “She sells seashells by the seashore.” This device not only adds emphasis but also adds a lyrical quality to the text.

Wrap-up: Figurative Speech

Different types of figures of speech enrich our language by using words and phrases in creative ways that go beyond their literal meanings. All figurative language paints vivid pictures, clarifies complex ideas, and evokes emotions. Similes compare different things using “like” or “as” to make descriptions more engaging, while metaphors create direct comparisons to offer deeper insights. Hyperboles use exaggeration to emphasize points or add humor, and personification gives human traits to non-human elements to make descriptions more relatable.

Figurative language appears across various forms of communication, from everyday conversations to literature and advertising. It transforms ordinary speech into something more memorable and impactful, helping the audience connect more deeply with the content. By understanding and using these figures of speech, we can make our communication more dynamic and expressive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a figure of speech?  

A figure of speech uses terms or phrases in ways that go beyond their actual meanings to create vivid images or emotional effects. It helps make writing and speech more engaging and expressive.

2. What is a simile?  

This figurative speech type compares two things using “like” or “as.” For example, “brave as a lion” helps create a strong image of bravery.

3. What is a metaphor?  

This type of figurative speech describes something by saying it is something else, without using “like” or “as.” For example, “Time is money” suggests time is valuable, like money.

4. What is hyperbole used for?  

This kind of figurative speech involves extreme embellishments to emphasize a point or add humor. For example, “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” is not literal but highlights intense hunger.

Elevate Your Communication with Figurative Speech

At Prezentium, we know that making a memorable impact goes beyond straightforward language. Figurative speech can transform your presentations into powerful tools that captivate and engage your audience. Imagine describing your latest project as “a beacon in a sea of mediocrity” or using an idiom to convey the depth of your ideas—these techniques can make your message stand out.

With our Overnight Presentations , we ensure that your key points are highlighted with the right figures of speech, tailored to your audience. Our Accelerators help you craft visuals and templates that make your comparisons and descriptions shine. And through Zenith Learning , we provide workshops that teach you to harness these expressive tools effectively.

Let Prezentium help you turn your presentations into compelling stories that resonate and inspire. Reach out today to see how our expertise can elevate your communication.

Why wait? Avail a complimentary 1-on-1 session with our presentation expert. See how other enterprise leaders are creating impactful presentations with us.

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“Figuratively” vs. “Literally”

Although similar and often incorrectly swapped for each other, literally and figuratively have different meanings that can’t really be interchanged. So even if you feel like you literally can’t help confusing the two, this exaggeration may help explain why figuratively is actually the right word in many cases.

What does figuratively mean?

Figuratively is an adverb of the adjective figurative that means “of the nature of or involving a figure of speech.”  It’s typically metaphorical and not literal, which is a key difference in common usage between figuratively and literally . Except for one little annoying part of figurative: it can also mean “represented by a figure, drawing, sculpture, or emblem,” so figuratively has a literal meaning as well. Moving on from that …

Originating in 1350–1400, this Middle English word derives from the Late Latin figūrātīvus and replaced Middle English figuratif. 

It’s important to remember that a figurative description is different than a literal meaning that describes exactly what is happening in black-and-white terms. So while you may be so happy that you want to figuratively shout from the rooftop, you would only use literally if you were actually standing on the roof and screaming with joy.

What does literally mean?

Although figuratively has room for interpretation or exaggeration, literally is exact and concrete in its meaning.

The adverb is defined as “in the literal or strict sense” and “actually; without exaggeration or inaccuracy.” Whatever word or phrase the word  literally modifies is being described in a literal manner; word for word. For example:  Although you may not literally know everything there is to know about sports, you can probably tell us literally everything that happened during the last play.

If you’re describing what actually happened, without exaggeration or inaccuracy, then literally is the right choice. For example, I spent literally every cent I had on that gift works if you actually did empty out every penny you had to your name.

Literally was first recorded around 1525 but its usage began to change in the 19th century. Starting from this time, literally began to be used as an intensifier for effect, which contradicts its meaning of “without exaggeration.” This shift has normalized its misuse, and that’s become a major pet peeve for many who are aware of the difference.

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How to use each word

Since words and phrases typically have both literal and figurative meanings, it’s easy to know when to use each of these terms, once you understand the difference between the two. You can literally open a package as soon as it arrives but you can only figuratively open your heart to love.

You can also only figuratively tell the whole world how you feel but, instead, you can literally tell every person whom you come in contact with about your feelings.

Feel like you’re so frustrated that you’re literally going to explode? Wrong! You may feel like you’re figuratively going to erupt, but it’s safe to say you won’t literally combust due to an emotion anytime soon.

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Figure of Speech

Figure of Speech Definition

What is a figure of speech? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

A figure of speech is a literary device in which language is used in an unusual—or "figured"—way in order to produce a stylistic effect. Figures of speech can be broken into two main groups: figures of speech that play with the ordinary meaning of words (such as metaphor , simile , and hyperbole ), and figures of speech that play with the ordinary arrangement or pattern in which words are written (such as alliteration , ellipsis , and antithesis ).

Some additional key details about figures of speech:

• The ancient Greeks and Romans exhaustively listed, defined, and categorized figures of speech in order to better understand how to effectively use language. The names of most figures of speech derive from the original Greek or Latin.
• Figures of speech that play with the literal meaning of words are called tropes , while figures of speech that play with the order or pattern of words are called schemes .
• Figures of speech can take many forms. A figure of speech can involve a single word, a phrase, an omission of a word or phrase, a repetition of words or sounds, or specific sentence structures.

Figure of Speech Pronunciation

Here's how to pronounce figure of speech: fig -yer of speech

Figures of Speech vs. Figurative Language

There's a lot of confusion about the difference between the terms "figures of speech" and " figurative language ." Most of the confusion stems from the fact that different people often use "figurative language" to mean slightly different things. The two most common (and most acceptable) definitions of figurative language are:

• Figurative language refers to any language that contains figures of speech. According to this definition, figurative language and figures of speech are not quite the same thing, but it's pretty darn close. The only difference is that figures of speech refer to each specific type of a figure of speech, while figurative language refers more generally to any language that contains any kind of figures of speech.
• Figurative language refers to words or expressions that have non-literal meanings : This definition associates figurative language only with the category of figures of speech called tropes (which are figures of speech that play with the literal meaning of words). So according to this definition, figurative language would be any language that contains tropes, but not language that contains the figures of speech called schemes.

You might encounter people using figurative speech to mean either of the above, and it's not really possible to say which is correct. But if you know about these two different ways of relating figurative language and figures of speech, you'll be in pretty good shape.

Figures of Speech, Tropes, and Schemes

The oldest and still most common way to organize figures of speech is to split them into two main groups: tropes and schemes.

• Tropes are figures of speech that involve a deviation from the expected and literal meaning of words.
• Schemes are figures of speech that involve a deviation from the typical mechanics of a sentence, such as the order, pattern, or arrangement of words.

The scheme/trope classification system is by no means the only way to organize figures of speech (if you're interested, you can find all sorts of different categorization methods for figures of speech here ). But it is the most common method, and is both simple and structured enough to help you understand figures of speech.

Generally, a trope uses comparison, association, or wordplay to play with the literal meaning of words or to layer another meaning on top of a word's literal meaning. Some of the most commonly used tropes are explained briefly below, though you can get even more detail on each from its specific LitCharts entry.

• Metaphor : A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things by stating that one thing is another thing, even though this isn't literally true. For example, if someone says "it's raining cats and dogs," this obviously doesn't literally mean what it says—it's a metaphor that makes a comparison between the weight of "cats and dogs" and heavy rain. Metaphors are tropes because their effect relies not on the mechanics of the sentence, but rather on the association created by the use of the phrase "cats and dogs" in a non-literal manner.
• Simile : A simile, like a metaphor, makes a comparison between two unrelated things. However, instead of stating that one thing is another thing (as in metaphor), a simile states that one thing is like another thing. To stick with cats and dogs, an example of a simile would be to say "they fought like cats and dogs."
• Oxymoron : An oxymoron pairs contradictory words in order to express new or complex meanings. In the phrase "parting is such sweet sorrow" from Romeo and Juliet , "sweet sorrow" is an oxymoron that captures the complex and simultaneous feelings of pain and pleasure associated with passionate love. Oxymorons are tropes because their effect comes from a combination of the two words that goes beyond the literal meanings of those words.
• Hyperbole : A hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration of the truth, used to emphasize the importance of something or to create a comic effect. An example of a hyperbole is to say that a backpack "weighs a ton." No backpack literally weighs a ton, but to say "my backpack weighs ten pounds" doesn't effectively communicate how burdensome a heavy backpack feels. Once again, this is a trope because its effect comes from understanding that the words mean something different from what they literally say.

Other Common Tropes

• Antanaclasis
• Onomatopoeia
• Personification
• Periphrasis
• Rhetorical Question

Schemes are mechanical—they're figures of speech that tinker with words, sounds, and structures (as opposed to meanings) in order to achieve an effect. Schemes can themselves be broken down in helpful ways that define the sort of tinkering they employ.

• Repetition: Repeating words, phrases, or even sounds in a particular way.
• Omission: Leaving out certain words or punctuation that would normally be expected.
• Changes of word order: Shifting around words or phrases in atypical ways.
• Balance: Creating sentences or phrases with equal parts, often through the use of identical grammatical structures.

Some of the most commonly used schemes are explained briefly below, though you can get even more detail on each from its specific LitCharts entry.

• Alliteration : In alliteration, the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the “b” sound in: “ B ob b rought the b ox of b ricks to the b asement.” Alliteration uses repetition to create a musical effect that helps phrases to stand out from the language around them.
• Assonance : A scheme in which vowel sounds repeat in nearby words, such as the "ee" sound in the proverb: "the squ ea ky wh ee l gets the gr ea se." Like alliteration, assonance uses repeated sounds to create a musical effect in which words echo one another—it's a scheme because this effect is achieved through repetition of words with certain sounds, not by playing with the meaning of words.
• Ellipsis : The deliberate omission of one or more words from a sentence because their meaning is already implied. In the example, "Should I call you, or you me?" the second clause uses ellipsis. While its implication is "or should you call me," the context of the sentence allows for the omission of "should" and "call." Ellipsis is a scheme because it involves an uncommon usage of language.
• Parallelism : The repetition of sentence structure for emphasis and balance. This can occur in a single sentence, such as "a penny saved is a penny earned," and it can also occur over the course of a speech, poem, or other text. Parallelism is a scheme because it creates emphasis through the mechanics of sentence structure, rather than by playing with the actual meanings of words.

Other Common Schemes

• Anadiplosis
• Antimetabole
• Brachylogia
• Epanalepsis
• Parenthesis
• Polysyndeton

Figure of Speech Examples

Figures of speech can make language more inventive, more beautiful, more rhythmic, more memorable, and more meaningful. It shouldn't be a surprise, then, that figures of speech are plentiful in all sorts of written language. The examples below show a variety of different types of figures of speech. You can see many more examples of each type at their own specific LitChart entries.

Figures of Speech Examples in Literature

Literature is riddled with figures of speech because figures of speech make language colorful and complex.

Metaphor in Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca

On and on, now east now west, wound the poor thread that once had been our drive. Sometimes I thought it lost, but it appeared again, beneath a fallen tree perhaps, or struggling on the other side of a muddied ditch created by the winter rains.

In this quote from Rebecca , Daphne du Maurier refers to a washed-out road as "the poor thread." This is a metaphor —and a trope—because the writer indirectly compares the thread to the road and expects that readers will understand that "thread" is not used literally.

Parallelism in Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way.

In the famous opening line of A Tale of Two Cities , Dickens uses parallelism —a scheme in which parts of a sentence repeat—in order to emphasize the contradictions of the time in which the book is set. Dickens has manipulated his sentence structure so that the parallel clauses emphasize the oppositional nature of his words ("it was the best of times, it was the worst of times"). The figure of speech doesn't play with the meaning of words, it emphasizes them through structure and repetition, which is why it is a scheme.

Alliteration in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Birthmark"

In this manner, s electing it as the s ymbol of his wife's liability to s in, s orrow, d ecay, and d eath, Aylmer's s ombre imagination was not long in rendering the birthmark a frightful object, causing him more trouble and horror than ever Georgiana's beauty, whether of s oul or s ense, had given him delight.

This passage from " The Birthmark " uses alliteration to tie together all of the things that Georgiana's birthmark is supposed to symbolize. By using words that alliterate—"sin and sorrow" and "decay and death," for example—Hawthorne is making the reader feel that these ideas are connected, rather than simply stating that they are connected. Alliteration is a figure of speech—a scheme—because it uses the mechanics of language to emphasize meaning.

Verbal Irony in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

For Brutus is an honorable man; So are they all, all honorable men,

This quote from Julius Caesar comes from Marc Antony's speech at Caesar's funeral. Antony needs to hold Brutus and his conspirators accountable for Caesar's death without contradicting the crowd's positive impression of Brutus, so Antony uses verbal irony to simultaneously please and trouble the crowd. On the surface, Antony says what the audience wants to hear (that Brutus is honorable), but it becomes clear over the course of his speech that he means the opposite of what he says (and over time he convinces the audience to believe this opposite meaning as well). This is a figure of speech (a trope) because it's based on a play on the meaning of Antony's words.

Figures of Speech Examples in Music

Figures of speech are also common in music. Schemes fit naturally with songs because both schemes and songs manipulate sound and rhythm to enhance the meanings of words. Music also uses many tropes, because using words that have meanings beyond their literal ones makes language more interesting, and it allows songwriters to create music that uses just a few words to imply a complex meaning.

Assonance and Metaphor in Rihanna's "Diamonds"

So sh ine br igh t ton igh t, you and I We're beautiful l i ke d i amonds in the sk y Eye to eye , so al i ve We're beautiful l i ke d i amonds in the sk y

Rihanna uses assonance when she repeats the " eye " sound throughout the chorus of "Diamonds." This make the words echo one another, which emphasizes the similarity between the singer, the person she's talking about, and the "diamonds in the sky" to which she's comparing them both. Assonance is a scheme because it's using the sound of words—not their meaning—to draw a parallel between different things.

Rihanna also uses the phrase "Diamonds in the sky" as a metaphor for stars. This is a trope—a phrase that means something other than what it literally says—as Rihanna obviously doesn't think that there are actually diamonds in the sky. This verse is a good example of how figures of speech can often work together and overlap. In this case, the metaphor that allows her to use "diamonds" instead of "stars" also fits into her use of assonance (because "stars" lacks the "eye" sound).

Personification in Green Day's "Good Riddance"

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go

While the first line of this song uses "a fork stuck in the road" as a metaphor for a choice, the more arresting figure of speech at work here is the personification of time in the second line. By giving "time" human characteristics—the ability to grab a person and tell them where to go—Green Day is helping listeners to make sense of the power that time has over people. This is a trope because the line doesn't mean what it literally says; instead, it's asking listeners to make a comparison between the characteristics of time and the characteristics of a person.

Anastrophe in Public Enemy's "Fight the Power"

Straight up racist that sucker was Simple and plain

In the line "Straight up racist that sucker was," Public Enemy uses anastrophe (which is the inversion of typical word order) to preserve the rhythm of the verse. Instead of saying "That sucker was straight up racist," Public Enemy chooses an odd phrasing that has one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables— " ra cist that su cker was/ Sim ple and plain ." This way, the beat falls more regularly across those two lines, which allows the rapper to make his point (that Elvis was racist) without the flow sounding awkward. Since anastrophe manipulates the order of words in order to achieve a rhythmic effect, it's a scheme.

Why Do Writers Use Figures of Speech?

Figures of speech is a category that encompasses a broad variety of literary terms, so it's difficult to give one answer to this question. Writers use different figures of speech to achieve different effects.

Schemes (figures of speech that manipulate sound, syntax, and word order) can make language more beautiful, persuasive, or memorable. Writers can use schemes to draw attention to an important passage, to create a sound that mirrors (or contrasts with) the meaning of words, or to give language a rhythm that draws the reader in. As schemes tend to work through sound and rhythm, they generally produce a visceral effect, or an effect felt in the body—broadly speaking, schemes are more sensory than intellectual.

In contrast, writers use tropes to grab the reader intellectually by adding complexity or ambiguity to an otherwise simple word or phrase. Tropes can ask the reader to make a comparison between two unlike things, they can impose human qualities on nonhumans, and they can mean the opposite of what they say. Tropes engage the intellect because the reader has to be alert to the fact that tropes do not use language at face value—a trope never means what it literally says.

All figures of speech help a writer to communicate ideas that are difficult to say in words or that are more effectively communicated non-verbally. This could be by repeating harsh consonants to create a scary atmosphere, or by using a metaphor to impose the qualities of something concrete (say, a rose) onto something more difficult to define (say, love). In general, figures of speech attempt to bring out a reader's emotion and to capture their attention by making language more colorful, surprising, and complex.

Other Helpful Figure of Speech Resources

• Silva Rhetoricae on Figures of Speech : An excellent reference from BYU that explains the various ways that figures of speech have been categorized over history, including into schemes and tropes.
• Silva Rhetoricae on schemes and tropes :
• The Oxford Reference Page for Figure of Speech : A helpful definition of figures of speech in the context of the ancient study of rhetoric (did you know that the Roman rhetorician Quintillian defined "figure of speech" in 95 AD?)
• What Are Tropes in Language? Skip to the "Distinction Between Figures and Tropes" section and read to the end—full of informative and thought-provoking discussion about tropes.
• A YouTube video about tropes and schemes with pop culture examples.

• Alliteration
• Climax (Figure of Speech)
• Figurative Language
• Parallelism
• Verbal Irony
• Internal Rhyme
• Common Meter
• Characterization
• Flat Character
• Anachronism
• Blank Verse
• Juxtaposition
• Round Character

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Figurative vs. Literal Language

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Learning to make meaning when figurative language is used can be a difficult concept for learning disabled students. Students with disabilities, especially those with language delays , become easily confused when figurative language is used. Figurative language or figures of speech is very abstract for children.

Put simply to a child: figurative language doesn't mean exactly what it says. Unfortunately, many students take figurative language literally. The next time you say—this briefcase weighs a ton, they might just think that it does and come away with a belief that a ton is something close to the weight of a suitcase.

Figurative Speech Comes in Many Forms

• Simile (comparisons often with as or like): as smooth as silk, as fast as the wind, quick like a lightning bolt.
• Metaphor (implicit comparison without like or as): You're such an airhead. It's bursting with flavor.
• Hyperbole (exaggerating statement): In order to get my assignment done, I'll have to burn the midnight oil.
• Personification (giving something a human quality): The sun smiled down on me. The leaves danced in the wind.

As a teacher, take time to teach the meanings of figurative language . Let the students brainstorm possible sayings for figurative language. Take a look at the list below and have students brainstorm a context for which the phrases could be used. For instance: when I want to use 'Bells and whistles' I could be rererring to the new computer I just bought which has, lots of memory, a dvd burner, an amazing video card, a wireless keyboard and a mouse. Therefore I could say 'My new computer has all the bells and whistles'.

Use the list below, or let students brainstorm a list of figures of speech. Let them identify what the possible meanings of the phrases could be.

Figures of Speech Phrases

At the drop of a hat Axe to grind Back to square one Bells and whistles Bed of roses Burn the midnight oil Clean sweep Chew the fat Cold feet Coast is clear Down in the dumps Ears are burning Forty winks Full of beans

Give me a break Give my right arm In a nutshell/pickle In the bag It's greek to me Final straw Let the cat out of the bag Long shot Mum's the word On the ball Out on a limb Pass the buck Pay through the nose Read between the lines Saved by the bell Spill the beans Take a rain check Through the grapevine True colors Under the weather Up my sleeve Upset the apple cart Walking on eggshells

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Figurative vs. Literal: What's the Difference?

Key Differences

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• Literary Terms
• Figures of Speech
• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Use Figures of Speech

I. What are Figures of Speech?

A figure of speech is a word or phrase using figurative language—language that has other meaning than its normal definition. In other words, figures of speeches rely on implied or suggested meaning, rather than a dictionary definition.  We express and develop them through hundreds of different rhetorical techniques, from specific types like metaphors and similes , to more general forms like sarcasm and slang.

Figures of speech make up a huge portion of the English language, making it more creative, more expressive, and just more interesting! Many have been around for hundreds of years—some even thousands—and more are added to our language essentially every day. This article will focus on a few key forms of figures of speech, but remember, the types are nearly endless!

III. Types of Figure of Speech

There are countless figures of speech in every language, and they fall into hundreds of categories. Here, though, is a short list of some of the most common types of figure of speech:

A. Metaphor

Many common figures of speech are metaphors. That is, they use words in a manner other than their literal meaning. However, metaphors use figurative language to make comparisons between unrelated things or ideas. The “peak of her career,” for example, is a metaphor, since a career is not a literal mountain with a peak , but the metaphor represents the idea of arriving at the highest point of one’s career.

An idiom is a common phrase with a figurative meaning. Idioms are different from other figures of speech in that their figurative meanings are mostly known within a particular language, culture, or group of people. In fact, the English language alone has about 25,000 idioms. Some examples include “it’s raining cats and dogs” when it is raining hard, or “break a leg” when wishing someone good luck.

This sentence uses an idiom to make it more interesting:

There’s a supermarket and a pharmacy in the mall, so if we go there, we can kill two birds with one stone.

The idiom is a common way of saying that two tasks can be completed in the same amount of time or same place.

A proverb is a short, commonplace saying that is universally understood in today’s language and used to express general truths. “Don’t cry over spilt milk” is a popular example. Most proverbs employ metaphors (e.g. the proverb about milk isn’t  literally  about milk).

This example uses a proverb to emphasize the situation:

I know you think you’re going to sell all of those cookies, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch!

Here, “don’t count your chickens before they hatch” means that you shouldn’t act like something has happened before it actually does.

A simile is a very common figure of speech that uses the words “like” and “as” to compare two things that are not related by definition. For example, “he is as tall as a mountain,” doesn’t mean he was actually 1,000 feet tall, it just means he was really tall.

This example uses a simile for comparison:

The internet is like a window to the world —you can learn about everything online!

The common phrase “window to the world” refers to a hypothetical window that lets you see the whole world from it. So, saying the internet is like a window to the world implies that it lets you see anything and everything.

E. Oxymoron

An oxymoron is when you use two words together that have contradictory meanings. Some common examples include s mall crowd, definitely possible, old news, little giant , and so on.

A metonym is a word or phrase that is used to represent something related to bigger meaning. For example, fleets are sometimes described as being “thirty sails strong,” meaning thirty (curiously, this metonym survives in some places, even when the ships in question are not sail-powered!) Similarly, the crew on board those ships may be described as “hands” rather than people.

Irony is when a word or phrase’s literal meaning is the opposite of its figurative meaning. Many times (but not always), irony is expressed with sarcasm (see Related Terms). For example, maybe you eat a really bad cookie, and then say “Wow, that was the best cookie I ever had”—of course, what you really mean is that it’s the worst cookie you ever had, but being ironic actually emphasizes just how bad it was!

IV. The Importance of Figures of Speech

In general, the purpose of a figure of speech is to lend texture and color to your writing. (This is itself a figure of speech, since figures of speech don’t actually change the colors or textures on the page!) For instance, metaphors allow you to add key details that make the writing more lively and relatable. Slang and verbal irony, on the other hand, make the writing seem much more informal and youthful (although they can have the opposite effect when misused!) Finally, other figures of speech, like idioms and proverbs, allows a writer to draw on a rich cultural tradition and express complex ideas in a short space.

V. Examples of Figures of Speech in Literature

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.” (William Shakespeare, As You Like It)

This is one of the most famous metaphors ever crafted in the English language. Shakespeare uses his extended metaphor to persuade the audience of the similarities between the stage and real life. But rather than making his play seem more like life, he suggests that life is more like a play. His metaphor calls attention to the performative, creative, and fictional aspects of human life.

“Our words are b ut crumbs that fall down from the feast o f the mind.” (Khalil Gibran, Sand & Foam )

Gibran’s timeless metaphor succeeds for a number of reasons. For one thing, it is not a cliché – had Gibran said “words are just the tip of the iceberg ,” he would have been making roughly the same point, but in a much more clichéd way. But the feast of the mind is a highly original metaphor. In addition, it’s a successful double metaphor. The crumbs and the feast are two parts of the same image, but they work together rather than being “mixed” (see How to Use Figures of Speech ).

“If you chase two rabbits, you will lose them both.” (Russian Proverb)

Like many proverbs, this one draws on a simple metaphor of chasing rabbits. The rabbits can stand in for all sorts of objectives, from jobs to relationships, but the coded message is quite clear – focus your energy on a single objective, or you will likely fail. This literal statement, though, is quite dry and not terribly memorable, which shows the power of figures of speech.

VI. Examples of Figures of Speech in Pop Culture

The chorus to Sean Kingston’s Fire Burning contains a couple of figures of speech. First of all, there’s the word “shorty” used as a slang term (see Related Terms ) for a young woman. She may or may not be literally short, but the figure of speech applies either way (though it could easily be taken as belittling and derogatory). Second, Kingston sings the metaphor: “she’s fire, burning on the dance floor.” Hopefully this is a figure of speech and not a literal statement; otherwise, Kingston and everyone else in the club are in mortal danger!

“Oh, thanks! This is much better!” (Townspeople, South Park )

This is an example of irony. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, South Park satirized the government’s response to the disaster by writing about a similar disaster in South Park. In a bumbling effort to rescue people from the floods, the authorities accidentally spill oil on the flood waters and set it on fire, making the situation far more dangerous. In response, they ironically “thank” the people responsible—their meaning is obviously the opposite of their words!

Years of talks between Washington and Havana resulted in Obama’s historic visit to Cuba on March 21st. (Patreon 2016)

This is a common form of metonym in foreign policy and news media. The capital city of a country is used as a metonym for the national government. The talks, of course, are not literally between these two cities, but between the leaders and government officials of the two countries (US and Cuba).

VII. Related Terms

Literal and figurative language.

Language is generally divided into two categories: literal, and figurative. Literal language relies on the real definition of words and phrases, or their literal meanings. Figurative language, on the other hand, relies on implied meanings, which can be understood differently depending on the location or who is using it. For example, “the sky is blue” relies on the literal definition of the word “blue,” while “I am feeling blue” relies on the figurative definition. All figures of speech rely on the use of figurative language for their meaning.

Sarcasm is mocking or bitter language that we use to express different meaning than what we say; often the exact opposite. When your intended meaning is the opposite of the literal meaning, that’s irony (another type of figure of speech), which includes common phrases like “Oh, great…” when you really mean something is bad.

Slang is language that uses atypical words and phrases to express specific meanings. It varies greatly by region, demographic, and language—for example, you would find different slang in the U.S. and in the U.K. even though they are both English speaking countries. Likewise, teenagers and the elderly will use different slang terms, as would Spanish and English. Many slang terms are figures of speech. For example, “bro” could be used to describe a friend rather than an actual brother; this would be using the word as a figure of speech.

List of Terms

• Alliteration
• Amplification
• Anachronism
• Anthropomorphism
• Antonomasia
• APA Citation
• Aposiopesis
• Autobiography
• Bildungsroman
• Characterization
• Circumlocution
• Cliffhanger
• Comic Relief
• Connotation
• Deus ex machina
• Deuteragonist
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Dramatic irony
• Equivocation
• Extended Metaphor
• Flash-forward
• Foreshadowing
• Intertextuality
• Juxtaposition
• Literary Device
• Malapropism
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Point of View
• Polysyndeton
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Rhetorical Device
• Rhetorical Question
• Science Fiction
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
• Synesthesia
• Turning Point
• Understatement
• Urban Legend
• Verisimilitude
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Home » Language » Difference between Literal and Figurative Language

Difference between Literal and Figurative Language

Main difference – literal vs. figurative language.

Literal and figurative are two words that we often see in relation to language and writing. In language study, these words act as antonyms, i.e. they have the opposite meanings. Literal language is saying exactly what you mean while figurative language is more elaborate and uses  literary techniques or figures of speech like hyperbole , personification , metaphors, etc. In this article, we are going to look at the main difference between the literal and figurative language in depth. 

What is Literal Language

This is the type of language we speak most of the time . The words in a literal sentence, give out their dictionary meaning. Literal language expresses thoughts and ideas in a clear and specific manner. They do not deviate from the accepted meaning. Thus, it is easy to understand literal language. This type of language is often used to deliver important information and is used in writing scientific, technical and legal documents .

She loves her son very much.

What is Figurative Language

Figurative language is a language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation . For example, look at the sentence ‘raining cats and dogs’. This does not mean that cats and dogs are falling from the sky. This actually means that it’s raining heavily.

Figurative language is more elaborate than literal language, and this type of writing is commonly used in works of literature . A writer uses figures of speech like similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, paradox, etc. to make the language more elaborate and figurative. Some examples of figurative language and the figures of speech  are given below.

Idiom (an expression that has a figurative meaning unrelated to the literal meaning of the phrase.)

“She drowned her sorrows in alcohol.”

Metaphor (a figure of speech used in comparison)

“He is the apple of her eye.”

Oxymoron  (two words having opposite meanings are used together)

“She felt that it was time for this bittersweet relationship to end.”

Hyperbole (exaggeration)

“You scared me to death.”

Simile (compares two things)

“Her eyes were like the deep pools to her soul.”

Personification (giving human characteristics to a non-living thing)

“The old man waited for Death to come to him.”  

He is the apple of her eye.

Difference Between Literal Language and Figurative Language

Literal language uses words that are in strict agreement with their original meanings.

Figurative language uses words or expressions with  meanings that are different from the literal interpretation.

Literal language is used in documents that contain direct information.(Examples; Legal, technical documents)

Figurative language is commonly used in literature.

Literal language is used in both spoken and written language.

Figurative language is rarely used in spoken language.

Literal language is often simple, direct and therefore, the readers find it easy to understand.

Figurative language can be complex and bit difficult to understand.

Figures of speech

Literal language does not use figures of speech.

Figurative language uses figures of speech.

Literal language expresses ideas in a simple, specific manner.

Figurative language expresses ideas in a vague manner.

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Figure of Speech

Definition of figure of speech.

you fit into me like a hook into an eye a fish hook an open eye

Types of Figures of Speech

Common examples of figures of speech used in conversation, understatement, common examples of figure of speech in writing, personification, writing figure of speech, figure of speech as artistic use of language, figure of speech as entertainment for reader, figure of speech as memorable experience for reader, examples of figure of speech in literature, example 1:  the great gatsby  (f. scott fitzgerald).

In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.

Example 2:  One Hundred Years of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)

Both described at the same time how it was always March there and always Monday, and then they understood that José Arcadio Buendía was not as crazy as the family said, but that he was the only one who had enough lucidity to sense the truth of the fact that time also stumbled and had accidents and could therefore splinter and leave an eternalized fragment in a room.

Example 3:  Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury)

A book is a loaded gun in the house next door…Who knows who might be the target of the well-read man?

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