Figurative language — English definition
Defined in 5 courses:
- Language that means something beyond its literal, word-for-word meaning, used to create a vivid image or feeling. (English 6)
- Language that means something beyond the literal, everyday definition of the words, used to create a picture or feeling. (English 6)
- Language that means something beyond its literal meaning, such as metaphor, simile, or personification. (English 9: Experience, Perspective & Inquiry)
- Language that means something beyond the literal, including metaphor, simile, personification, and hyperbole. (English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences)
- Language that carries meaning beyond the literal — metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole. (English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory)
Where it is taught
- Point of View & Figurative Language — Reading Literature, English 6, Grade 6
- Figurative Language & Word Relationships — Language & Vocabulary, English 6, Grade 6
- Figurative & Connotative Language — Close Reading & Literary Analysis, English 9: Experience, Perspective & Inquiry, Grade 9
- Author's Craft & Figurative Language — Close Reading & Literary Analysis, English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences, Grade 10
- Structure & Style — Close Reading & Literary Analysis, English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory, Grade 11
In use
Figurative language is that second option, words that mean more than their literal, dictionary meaning in order to paint a picture or stir an emotion.
Point of View & Figurative Language
When a writer uses words to mean something beyond the literal, that is figurative language, and it is everywhere: in poems and song lyrics, but also in ordinary talk.
Figurative Language & Word Relationships
Figurative language works differently: instead of shading a single word, it asks you to understand one thing in terms of another.
Figurative & Connotative Language
Questions using figurative language
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
(1) Personification — the thunder is described as if it can grumble like a grumpy person. (2) An idiom — 'broke the ice' means Priya eased the awkwardness of the new student joining, not that she shattered any real ice.
(1) Personification — the thunder is described as if it can grumble like a grumpy person. (2) An idiom — 'broke the ice' means Priya eased the awkwardness of the new student joining, not that she shattered any real ice.
Response criteria
- Answer the actual question with accurate details.
- Explain how the evidence or language choice supports the conclusion.
- State a relevant limit, alternative or justified revision.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
(1) Personification — the thunder is described as if it can grumble like a grumpy person. (2) An idiom — 'broke the ice' means Priya eased the awkwardness of the new student joining, not that she shattered any real ice.
(1) Personification — the thunder is described as if it can grumble like a grumpy person. (2) An idiom — 'broke the ice' means Priya eased the awkwardness of the new student joining, not that she shattered any real ice.
Response criteria
- Answer the actual question with accurate details.
- Explain how the evidence or language choice supports the conclusion.
- State a relevant limit, alternative or justified revision.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
A door normally enables entry, but the misplaced handle prevents control. The metaphor suggests apparent access without a practical ability to choose, fitting the difficulty of noticing or changing permissions. A complete response supplies context, a focused claim, a brief supporting detail, explanation, and a relevant qualification. Do not simply repeat this model.
Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.
Response criteria
- Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
- Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
- Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.
Taught alongside
- point of view
- first-person point of view
- third-person limited point of view
- third-person omniscient point of view
- simile
- metaphor
- personification
- hyperbole
- denotation
- connotation
- idiom
- tone
- diction
- imagery