Figurative
/ˈfɪɡjərətɪv/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Figurative language uses words to create pictures or ideas in your mind, rather than meaning exactly what the words say. It often uses comparisons or symbols to express feelings or ideas in a more interesting way than literal language, which means exactly what it says.
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See It in Action
Using words in a creative or symbolic way, not their exact meaning
- •She used figurative language to describe the sunset as "a golden fire in the sky."
- •In poetry, figurative expressions help readers feel emotions deeply.
- •The phrase "break the ice" is figurative—it doesn’t mean actually breaking ice.
Related to figures of speech like metaphors, similes, and personification
- •Figurative speech makes writing more interesting and colorful.
- •Understanding figurative language helps you enjoy stories and poems better.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "figurative" like "imagine," but for words—it’s when words paint a picture instead of telling a simple fact.
- ✓Picture someone saying "It’s raining cats and dogs"—you don’t see animals falling, but you imagine heavy rain.
- ✓It’s the feeling when someone uses a colorful phrase to make you see or feel something differently, like poetry or stories.
- ✓Sounds like "FIG-yuh-ruh-tiv" → imagine a small "figure" (like a statue) representing a bigger idea in your mind.
- ✓In stories and songs, figurative language makes things more exciting and emotional, not just plain facts.
- ✓NOT like "literal" (words meaning exactly what they say)—figurative words mean something more or different.
- ✓NOT like "direct" (clear and exact)—figurative is creative and uses imagination.
- ✓NOT like "simple" language—it often uses comparisons like similes or metaphors to explain ideas.
Try Other Words
- •Metaphorical: meaning using metaphors or comparisons (Use when emphasizing one type of figurative language)
- •Non-literal: meaning not the exact or real meaning of words (Use when explaining that something is not literal)
- •Symbolic: meaning representing something else (Use when focusing on signs or symbols)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "figur-" (from Latin "figura" meaning shape or form) + suffix "-ative" (forming adjectives meaning related to)
- •Etymology: From Latin "figurativus," meaning expressed by figures or symbols
- •Historical development: Used since the 15th century to describe language that uses figures of speech
- •Modern usage: Common in literature, art, and everyday language to describe creative or imaginative expressions
Reflect & Connect
•How does using figurative language change the way we understand a story or poem?
•Can you think of times when figurative language might confuse someone who is learning a new language?
Fill in the blanks
1.When someone says "He has a heart of stone," this is figurative language because it ___ a real heart.
2.Figurative language helps writers ___ feelings and ideas in a creative way.
3.Unlike literal language, figurative language does not mean exactly what the words ___.
4.Similes and metaphors are common types of ___ expressions.
5.People use figurative language to make their speech more ___ and interesting.
6.Figurative language often needs explanation because it can ___ meaning.
7.When you hear a phrase that is figurative, you should think about the ___ behind the words, not just the words themselves.