Figurative Language

Definition of Figurative Language

Definition of Figurative Links to an external site.

Definition of Literal Links to an external site.

Figurative language is any figure of speech which depends on a non-literal meaning of some or all of the words used. There are many types of figurative language, including literary devices such as simile Links to an external site., metaphor Links to an external site., personification Links to an external site., and many pun examples, to name just a few. The definition of figurative language is opposite to that of literal language, which involves only the “proper” or dictionary definitions of words. Figurative language usually requires the reader or listener to understand some extra nuances, context, allusions, etc. in order to understand the second meaning. However, figurative language is such a common part of regular speech that adult native speakers of a language can just as easily interpret figurative language as literal language.

More information Links to an external site.and examples

Some Types of Figurative Language Links to an external site.

Simile
Metaphor
Personification
Onomatopoeia 
Oxymoron
Hyperbole
Metonymy Links to an external site.
Synecdoche
Paradox
Allusion
Understatement
Irony
Sarcasm
Litotes
Anaphora Links to an external site.
Puns

Questions to Ask

How do you know the language isn't literal? What type of Figurative Language is being used? What meaning is the author highlighting or describing with the figurative language? Why is this figurative discussion better (is it?) than a literal one? What does this tell us about the rest of the story or poem? How does the use of figurative language affect the reader?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxKG1Rru6IU&list=PL78YSCPEj78MgfxQbUORJHaX8f0ve34AI Links to an external site.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omLXKYNxVZA Links to an external site.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptCPiR78_mc

Links to an external site.