figurative language
English Meaning & Definitions
Words or expressions used in a non-literal way to convey a complicated meaning, vivid image, or emotional effect, often through comparisons like metaphors, similes, or hyperbole.
- “The poet used figurative language to describe the wind as a whispering ghost haunting the trees.”
- “Students often struggle to identify figurative language in literature, such as when an author uses personification to give human traits to inanimate objects.”
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
English Antonyms & Opposites
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “figurative language”.
Derived from the Latin 'figurativus', from 'figura' (shape, form, or figure), combined with the Middle English 'language' from Old French 'langage'. The term evolved to describe speech that 'shapes' or 'forms' ideas beyond their literal, dictionary-defined meanings, effectively molding language to create imagery or emotional resonance.
Think of a 'figure' skater: they don't just skate in a straight line; they add artistic flourishes and shapes to their performance, just as figurative language adds artistic flourishes to speech.
Frequently Asked Questions About “figurative language”
1. What is the meaning of “figurative language” in English?
In English, figurative language (noun) is defined as: “Words or expressions used in a non-literal way to convey a complicated meaning, vivid image, or emotional effect, often through comparisons like metaphors, similes, or hyperbole.”.
2. How do you use “figurative language” in a sentence?
“The poet used figurative language to describe the wind as a whispering ghost haunting the trees.”
3. What are English synonyms of “figurative language”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “figurative language”?
Derived from the Latin 'figurativus', from 'figura' (shape, form, or figure), combined with the Middle English 'language' from Old French 'langage'. The term evolved to describe speech that 'shapes' or 'forms' ideas beyond their literal, dictionary-defined meanings, effectively molding language to create imagery or emotional resonance.
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