Literal/ Nonliteral Language

Front

What is Literal Language?

Back

Literal language means exactly what it says. It is straightforward and does not have any hidden meanings.

Front

What is Non-Literal Language?

Back

Non-literal language uses figures of speech, such as metaphors and similes, to convey meanings that are different from the literal interpretation.

Front

Example of Literal Language: 'The cat is on the mat.' What does it mean?

Back

It means that the cat is actually sitting on the mat.

Front

Example of Non-Literal Language: 'His room was a pigsty.' What does it mean?

Back

It means his room was very messy, not that it was literally a pigsty.

Front

What does it mean when we say 'The sun smiled upon us'?

Back

It means that the day was bright and sunny, not that the sun can actually smile.

Front

What is a metaphor?

Back

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things by saying one is the other.

Front

What is a simile?

Back

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using the words 'like' or 'as'.

Front

Example of a Simile: 'She is as brave as a lion.' What does it mean?

Back

It means she is very brave, comparing her bravery to that of a lion.

Front

Example of a Metaphor: 'Time is a thief.' What does it mean?

Back

It means that time can take away moments from our lives, just like a thief takes things.

Front

What does 'I’m dying of boredom' mean?

Back

It means that the person is very bored, not that they are actually dying.