figurative expression
Symbolic language use
A figurative expression uses words in non-literal ways to create vivid imagery or emphasis.
Metaphors, similes, and idioms are figurative expressions: He's a snake, quick as lightning, break a leg.
The opposite is literal expression, where words mean exactly what they say.
Most everyday speech mixes both freely.
- visual imageryMind's eye pictures
- metaphorImplied identity comparison
- simileComparison via "as"
- turn of phraseDistinctive verbal expression
- literary deviceStorytelling method or structure
oxymoron · personification · allusion · dead metaphor · mixed metaphor · poetic license · poetry · euphemism · religious texts · prose · speeches · allegory · heart of gold · tip of the iceberg · silver lining · hyperbole · metonymy · advertising
- Indian artmudra, miniature painting, mehndi, folk revival, cultural renaissance
figurative expressionplain speech
Unembellished verbal expression
plain language · simple language · technical language · scientific language · journalistic style
figurative, figuratively, figure, figured, figures, figuring, figuration, configuration, configure