Figurative or Literal meaning?

  

Figurative Language 3o. Ano

The term “figurative” is an antonym of  ”literal.”  In literal language the words convey meaning exactly as defined, whereas in figurative language there is room for interpretation.  An effort is required on the part of the interpreter to determine the speaker or writer’s intended meaning.  The listener or reader must “figure” out what is meant.  This page will discuss common figures of speech, provide examples, and offer resources to help you learn, review, or teach figurative language.  It is important to note that, as an educator, I make a distinction between figurative language and poetic devices.  Though the skills are related, I find that it is easier to understand these concepts in separate units.  This page focuses exclusively on figurative language techniques.

Hyperbole

Hyperbole is when the writer or speaker exaggerates for emphasis or effect. 

Examples of hyperbole:

1. Yeah, I already beat that game 80,000 years ago.

2.  Nobody listens to that song anymore.

3.  Old Mr. Johnson has been teaching here since the Stone Age.

4.  These shoes are killing me.

Be conscious of the fact that hyperbole is often confused with understatement (saying too little or minimizing the effect of a statement).

Idiom

Idioms are commonly used figurative expressions. Idiom is not a distinct figurative language technique. Rather, most idioms are similes, metaphors, hyperbole, or other figurative language techniques. For example, the idiom “I’m so hungry that I could eat a horse,” is actually an example of hyperbole. And the idiom, “dropping like flies,” is actually a simile. What separates an idiom from its original technique, however, is that idioms have been so commonly used that they became incorporated into the colloquial lexicon of native language speakers. In other words, native speakers use them so much that they don’t even know that they are using figurative language.

Here are some idiom examples:

1. Bob’s new corner office was just the icing on the cake (metaphor).

2. After eating candy, Billy ran around like a chicken with his head cut off (simile).

3.  That new car cost an arm and a leg (hyperbole).

5. Tom said that he changed but actions speak louder than words (personification).

Idioms are generally used so frequently by native language speakers that it often goes unnoticed that figurative language is even being used. When someone is learning a new language, one of the milestones of progress is when the learner begins to understand and use the language idiomatically or colloquially.

Metaphor

Metaphor is a comparison between two dissimilar things without using the word “like” or “as” to make the comparison. 

Here are some example metaphors:

1.  The path of resentment is easier to travel than the road to forgiveness.

Personification

Personification is when the speaker or writer gives human characteristics, qualities, or traits to an object or idea. I

Here are some examples of personification:

1. The moon turned over to face the day.

Simile

Similes are comparisons between two unlike things using the word “like” or “as.”

Here are some examples of simile:

1. My mother’s kitchen was like a holy place: you couldn’t wear your shoes, you had to sit there at a certain time, and occasionally we’d pray.

Understatement

Understatements are when the speaker or writer express an idea with significantly less force than is expected or would be required to accurately describe an idea. Understatement can be understood as the opposite of hyperbole. In hyperbole, the statement goes too far; whereas in understatement, the statement does not go far enough.  Understatement can be used to downplay a negative or to be humorous.

Here are some example understatements:

1.It might take her a little while to get over her husband’s affair.

  
Activities

Decide if the sentences below use literal or figurative language. 
Then, place an “L” or an “F” before each one.
____ 1. Eric thinks doing schoolwork is one big video game.
____ 2. Lauren has made up her mind to volunteer every Tuesday after school.
____ 3. Thinking about summer camp makes me feel like a bundle of joy and sunshine.
____ 4. As I delivered my speech, my voice sounded as if I’d swallowed rocks and sand.
____ 5. Emma may seem clumsy, but onstage she dances like a gazelle.
____ 6. Jacob expresses many feelings through his photography.
____ 7. My teammate is a snail and a turtle combined!
____ 8. Before the soccer match, both teams attended a sportsmanship program.
____ 9. I have a ton of paperwork to do before I can enjoy the sun this summer.
____ 10. Sometimes I have to be my little brother’s brain.


Identify the Idioms:

a) "  The leaves are little yellow fish / swimming in the river." ________________________________
b)" Fame is a bee. / It has a song -- / It has a sting --" _____________________________________
c) 'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines / Diggin' in my own back yard. _______________________
d)  The daisy hugging the earth / in August, ha! __________________________________________
e) "a blessing in disguise."__________________________________________________________
f) " The whole world / became my garden!"____________________________________________
g)  I wanted her to show up / I crossed my fingers. ______________________________________