Figurative Language versus Literal Language

Figurative Language versus Literal Language

Introduction

Literal and figurative language is a distinction that is commonly found in literary or language analysis. Considering the definite difference among the two forms of language most commonly used by people, literal language is predominantly the language that consists of words that remains attached to their defined meaning; however figurative language is the language where defined meanings do not represent words, rather the meanings are significantly altered.

Discussion

Idiom

Idioms are considered as semantically non-compositional expressions where usually culturally prominent scenarios are used in figurative way, the function of which is to project clear evaluation towards or to refer to any situation or target. It is only appropriate to use idioms when the user is sure that the idiom effectively fits the context and aptly describes the target situation, because if it is not made sure, it may obscure the intended meaning or may convey the wrong meaning. It is evident in expressions 'To pass', 'To pass out' and 'To make a pass', as although they seem to bear similar meanings when considered literally, however they are used figuratively and hence their meaning differ substantially.

Analogy

Analogy basically relates two things or words on the basis of similarity or structure to trigger further explanation. Two elements are called as analogous, when they are similar or related in any aspect. Considering their function, it is inherent in the definition of analogy where analogy is defined as reasoning through the use of parallel cases or comparison between two things in order to highlight similarity, its function is to make the meaning more clear so as to trigger increased understanding for the readers. This is apparent in the example velvet voice, and since nobody can have velvet voice, it is actually analogous with smooth and soothing.

Metaphor

It is predominantly figure of speech where word or phrase is depicting an object or action or any other element, but the depicted object or element is not literally applicable or literally referred to. The function of metaphor in literature or language is predominantly to make the reader understand the concept, object or person more fully. It is evident in the example, 'The streets were a furnace, the sun an executioner', where streets and sun are not literally considered as what they are meant by the phrase; rather it gives the reader an idea of how hot the weather is.

Simile

It is basically comparison ...