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Defining Figurative Language

Figurative language is language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. When a writer uses literal language, he or she is simply stating the facts as they are. Figurative language, in comparison, uses exaggerations or alterations to make a particular linguistic point.

Figurative language is very common in poetry but is also used in prose and nonfiction writing as well.

There are many different types of figurative language. For example, it often includes the use of a specific type of word or word meaning:

  • Metaphor: A metaphor is a comparison made between things which are essentially not alike. One example of a metaphor would be to say, “Nobody invites Edward to parties because he is a wet blanket.”

  • Simile: A simile is like a metaphor and often uses the words like or as. One example of a simile would be to say, “Jamie runs as fast as the wind.”

  • Personification: When something that is not human is given human-like qualities, this is known as personification. An example of personification would be to say, “The leaves danced in the wind on the cold October afternoon.”

  • Hyperbole: Exaggerating, often in a humorous way, to make a particular point is known as hyperbole. One of an example of hyperbole would be to say, “My eyes widened at the sight of the mile-high ice cream cones we were having for dessert.”

  • Symbolism: Symbolism occurs when a noun which has to mean in itself is used to represent something entirely different. One example of symbolism would be to use an image of the American flag to represent patriotism and a love for one’s country.

In addition to various types of words relating to the word's meaning, figurative language also includes unusual constructions or combinations of words that provide a new perspective on the word. For example:

  • Onomatopoeia: When you name an action by imitating the sound associated with it, this is known as onomatopoeia. One example of onomatopoeia would be to say, “The bees buzz angrily when their hive is disturbed.”

  • Idiom: An idiom is an expression used by a particular group of people with a meaning that is only known through common use. One example of an idiom would be to say, “I’m just waiting for him to kick the bucket.” Many idioms that are frequently used are also considered clichés.

  • Synecdoche: A synecdoche is a figure of speech using a word or words that are a part to represent a whole. For example, referring to credit cards as "plastic" is a synecdoche.

  • Cliché: A cliché is a phrase that is often repeated and has become kind of meaningless. An example of a cliché is the expression "walk a mile in my shoes."

  • Assonance: When you repeat a vowel sound in a phrase is it assonance. For example, "True, I do like Sue."

  • Metonymy: A metonymy is a figure of speech where one thing is replaced with a word that is closely associated with it such as using "Washington" to refer to the United States government.


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What's A Figurative Language?

In this lesson, we will discuss how to interpret figurative language in fiction. We will explore several types of figurative language and learn how to identify them.

 

What Is Figurative Language?

Which of the following descriptions do you prefer?

The purring black and white cat sat by the glowing fire.

The fuzzy, furry, friendly, fat black and white cat was purring like a motorboat as she sat beside the fire, which snapped and crackled as its sparks danced and played, traveling upwards to the black hole of the chimney and disappearing as they were sucked in.

Did you choose the second description? If so, you were probably attracted to its figurative language. Figurative language makes a piece of writing more vivid and interesting because it uses expressions and words in a way that goes beyond their actual, normal meaning. Figurative language draws readers into a story and invites them to play with language and search for meanings that are hidden beneath the surface of a text.

 

Types of Figurative Language

Readers encounter many different types of figurative language in a work of fiction. Here are just a few:

  • A simile uses the words 'like' or 'as' to draw a comparison between two things that are not particularly similar and to suggest a hidden likeness. A cat purring like a motorboat is an example of a simile.

  • A metaphor is also a comparison between two dissimilar things, but it paints a verbal picture instead of using the words 'like' or 'as.' A comparison between a chimney and a black hole is a metaphor.

  • Personification gives animals or inanimate objects human qualities or characteristics. Sparks are personified when they are portrayed as dancing and playing.

  • In onomatopoeia, words imitate sounds. For instance, the phrase 'the fire snapped and crackled' invites readers to remember the sound of a cozy fire.

  • Alliteration repeats consonant or vowel sounds, usually at the beginnings of words. The fuzzy, furry, friendly, fat cat repeats the 'f' sound to tickle readers' ears and focuses their attention in a special way on the cat's characteristics.

  • Hyperbole is an overstatement or exaggeration. It is not meant to be taken literally but is used for dramatic effect. A surprised child, for instance, might have eyes as wide as dinner plates, and a hungry man might feel like he could eat a whole herd of cows.

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