Figurative or Literal meaning?
Autor: Ana Rosa Vivarini | Publicado: 2015-08-10T19:37:00-07:00

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Figurative Language 3o. Ano



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




Hyperbole

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



Examples of hyperbole:1. Yeah, I already beat that game 80,000 years ago.2. &nbsp;Nobody listens to that song anymore.3. &nbsp;Old Mr. Johnson has been teaching here since the Stone Age.4.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;



Here are some example metaphors:1.&nbsp; 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. &nbsp;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.
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Activities 

Decide if the sentences below use literal or figurative language.&nbsp;
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) "&nbsp; 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)&nbsp; The daisy hugging
the earth / in August, ha! __________________________________________
e) "a blessing in disguise."__________________________________________________________
f) " The whole world /
became my garden!"____________________________________________
g)&nbsp; I wanted her to
show up / I crossed my fingers. ______________________________________