what classifies as figurative language
1 Literal language uses words directly according to their proper meanings (signified). 2  Figurative (or non-literal) language uses words in figures of speech.igurative use of language is the use of words or phrases that implies a non-literal meaning which does make sense or that could [also] be true. Aristotle and later the Roman Quintilian were among the early analysts of rhetoric who expounded on the differences between literal and figurative language.