English Lexicon

Nonliteral

/nɒnˈlɪt.ər.əl/
adjectiveCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #15000 frequency
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2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Not adhering to the literal meaning of words; figurative.

    "In poetry, nonliteral language often evokes deeper emotions."
  2. 2

    Referring to interpretations that go beyond the explicit meaning.

    "The nonliteral interpretation of the text revealed hidden themes."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'nonliteral' is derived from the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'literal', which comes from the Latin 'literalis', meaning 'of letters'. The term evolved in the late 20th century to describe expressions that do not convey their meaning in a straightforward, literal manner.

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