Figurative Language: Definition, Meaning and Examples
What is figurative language? Define it with the help of examples? It refers to the use of words and colorful expressions with magical wand of communication that transform ordinary words into vibrant melodies by captivating the senses and igniting the imagination of the readers. It can convey complex ideas in engaging and captivating way with the help of literary devices.
It is a powerful tool used by the writers to evoke emotions and feelings, paint vivid and colourful images and convey complex ideas. Actually, use of such type of language is the life blood of literature. In this article we are going to explore the different types of figurative language and how they are enriching the text?
Types of Figurative Language
There are several types of it. Some important types are as under.
Simile
It is a comparison of two unlike things by the use of words like, as or than. It focuses on highlighting the similarities and creating vivid imagery. For example,
Rehana’s smile is as bright as Sun.
Metaphor
It is also a comparison of to unlike things. In metaphor the writers do not use the words as or like but they state that one thing is another. For example, “Time is a thief”
Summary
Figurative language is the use of various literary devices that enrich the writing by deeper layers of meaning. It is a powerful tool for writers in conveying abstract ideas, emotions, imagery and sensory experience in memorable way. It has ability to encourage the readers to interpret the text on multiple levels by deviating from the literal meanings of the text. It gives aesthetic appeal to language by the spice of expression. By the use of metaphor and similes writers paint vivid pictures, hyperbole adds exaggerating effect and personification breeds life into the life less objects. Understanding of it enhances literary analysis and critical thinking. So, its mastery empowers the writers to craft evocative and nuanced works.
Personification
In personification human characteristics are attributed to non human things like “opportunity knocks at the door but once”.
Hyperbole
In hyperbole exaggerated statements are used to emphasis on a point or for creating dramatic effect. For example, “I have told you a million times”.
Alliteration
It is the repetition of consonant sounds at the start of the words like Tik Tok and Ding Dong.
Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is the imitation of sounds of the letters by they describe. For example, buzz and hiss.
Symbolism
It is the use of words that stand for something else. Symbols carry deeper meanings beyond their surface meanings. For example, A dove is a symbol of peace.
Irony
Difference between appearance and reality is irony. Here we can see a contrast between what is expected and what is actually happens. For example, if we say it is a beautiful day during a thunderstorm than it will be an ironical statement.
Imagery
Imagery is also a figure speech, in imagery writers use descriptive language to create sensory experience for the readers which is appealing to the senses and make the narrative more vivid.
Oxymoron
It is a use of words that have different and opposite meanings for paradoxical effect. For example, open secret and bitter sweet.
Synecdoche
It is a use of words in which part stands for whole. For example, referring to car we use wheels and for group of people we use hands.
Assonance
It is the repetition of vowel sounds within words in close proximity. For example, in Fleet feet by sleeping geese. Here we can find the repetition of e sound.
Paradox
A self-contradictory statement which has deeper truth but we confront it on a closer examination.
For example, A child is the father of man.
Anthropomorphism
In anthropomorphism human characteristics are given to animals, different objects and abstract concepts in more engaging way. For example, talking animals in fables.
Euphemism
It is the replacement of harsh or unpleasant terms often used to soften the impact. For example, use of passed away instead of died.
List of figurative language
Following is the list of important literary devices.
- Simile
- Metaphor
- Personification
- Hyperbole
- Onomatopoeia
- Alliteration
- Assonance
- Consonance
- Oxymoron
- Irony
- Symbolism
- Imagery
- Allegory
- Metonymy
- Synecdoche
Examples of figurative language in sentences
Following are the examples of important literary devices.
Example of simile
Rihanna is as beautiful as moon.
Example of metaphor
The world is a stage and we are merely players.
Example of personification
The flowers were dancing in the breeze.
Example of hyperbole
He has told you a million times to clean your home.
Example of onomatopoeia
The bees were buzzing around the flowers.
Example of Alliteration
Sally sells seashells by the seashore.
Example of Assonance
The cat sat on the mat.
Example of oxymoron
It is an open secret.
Example of symbolism
The red colour symbolizes passion or danger.
Example of idiom
He is an apple of his father’s eyes.
Example of irony
A traffic cop getting a speeding ticket.
Example of metonymy
The pen is mightier than sword.
Example of synecdoche
He got new wheels.
Example of euphemism
He passed away.
Example of allusion
Sam was real Romeo with ladies.
Example of juxtaposition
Wealth and poverty in the city were stark.
Example of understatement
It was a bit chilly.
Example of anaphora
It was a best of times, it was a worst of times, it was the age of wisdom and it was the age of foolishness.
Example of paradox
Less is more.
Benefits
- It creates vivid imagery.
- Figures of speech have emotional impact.
- It enhances the understanding of readers and audience.
- It enriches the language by expressiveness and creativity.
- It gives beauty and elegance to writing.
- This use of languages is memorable than literal language.
- It allows flexibility to writings for communication.
- It shows cultural and social significance by symbols.
- It is versatile tool for expression and communication.
Conclusion
In wrapping up the figurative language we may say that it is a backbone of literature. It allows the writers to paint vibrant landscapes of meaning understanding and emotions.
