Literal and Figurative Meanings

Front

What is a literal statement?

Back

A literal statement means exactly what it says without any exaggeration or metaphor.

Front

What is a figurative statement?

Back

A figurative statement uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation.

Front

Is this a literal or figurative statement? 'The autumn leaves turned the forest into a red blaze.'

Back

Figurative

Front

Is this a literal or figurative statement? 'The blaze in the fireplace warmed the room.'

Back

Literal

Front

What does figurative mean?

Back

Something that is metaphorical and not literal.

Front

Is this a literal or figurative statement? 'Many people consider Philadelphia the cradle of freedom.'

Back

Figurative

Front

Is this a literal or figurative statement? 'My friend seemed distant after we had a disagreement.'

Back

Figurative

Front

What is an example of a literal meaning?

Back

'The cat is on the mat.' This means the cat is actually on the mat.

Front

What is an example of a figurative meaning?

Back

'It's raining cats and dogs.' This means it's raining heavily, not that animals are falling from the sky.

Front

How can you tell if a statement is literal?

Back

If the statement can be understood exactly as it is without needing to think about a deeper meaning.