Figurative Language

Figurative Language

What is figurative language?

• the phrasing, or way we write, that goes beyond the literal meaning of words to get a message or point across. 

• makes writing more interesting or dramatic

Figurative language is not literal.

• Literal means true or factual

• Figurative means not real or exaggerated when comparing

• Similes and metaphors are two types of figurative language.

Literal Language

Literal Language – You say exactly what you mean. 

You make no comparison, and you do not exaggerate or understate the situation.

  The car is blue.

  He caught the football.

Figurative Language

 Does not mean what it says.  You have to figure out what it means

          

 I’ve got your back.

            

You’re a doll.

Literal

My brother does nothing much with his free time other than sit on the couch.

Figurative

My brother is a couch potato.

"Couch potato"

The boy being discussed is obviously not literally a couch potato. But we use figurative ideas like this to be expressive. A potato has certain connotations...

Multiple Choice

"I have lots of homework to complete."

• Literal

• Figurative

Multiple Choice

"I have a mountain of homework to complete."

• Literal

• Figurative

Multiple Choice

1. The true meaning of words is called...

• hyperbole

• literal meaning

• figurative language

• non-literal meanings

Multiple Select

Words that do not mean what they say are called...

• hyperbole

• figurative language

• literal words

• non-literal language

Multiple Choice

Read the text below. Is it an example of LITERAL or FIGURATIVE language?

"Andrea's little brother is a cute teddy bear in the morning, but he somehow turns into a roaring lion in the afternoon!"

• literal

• figurative

Multiple Choice

Read the text below. Is it an example of LITERAL or FIGURATIVE language?

"Peter is a really nice person. He always helps me carry my groceries home from the supermarket."

• literal

• figurative