Figurative vs Literal: Difference and Comparison

Figuratively implies metaphorically, whereas depicts an actual event. If you say a guitar solo practically blew your head off, your head should not be connected to your body.

Although they have been figuratively invading the territory, they are not the same; in fact, the two terms are frequently used together to create an image.

Key Takeaways

1. Figurative language uses expressions or figures of speech to convey meanings beyond literal interpretation.
2. Literal language focuses on the exact meaning of words without any figurative embellishments or symbolism.
3. Recognizing figurative and literal language is essential for clear communication and understanding.

Figurative vs Literal

The difference between figurative and literal is that Literal language means precisely what it says, but figurative language uses similes, metaphors, exaggeration, and personification to express something, frequently by contrast with something else. It implies “word for word” and “exactly.” It should not be used as a general exciter. Figuratively is the inverse of literally and means in a comparable, but not precise, manner.

When you use figurative vocabulary, you start describing something by making comparisons to something else. The metaphors or turns of phrases employed have a figurative connotation.

It employs analogies, vague references, similes, hyperbolic statements, and other analogies to assist in depicting the thing under discussion. When you use figurative language, you explain those by contrasting that to something.

Literal language means precisely what is written. Literal language employs words precisely following their commonly recognized meanings or denotations.

Figures of speech are not used in literal language by nature. Instead, literal language employs the precise meanings of words or phrases.

Literal language is very direct and to the point, is accurate and frequently makes it clear of the precise point.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Figurative	Literal
Definition	The kind in which the use of words changes and the exact meanings must be guessed by the other person.	The language that says just what it says and implies precisely what it expresses.
Nature	Anything with several phrases that leave others guessing about the true meaning.	Something which has the identical significance as the term and attracts attention word for word.
Working	It may say one thing yet imply another, resulting in a double meaning.	Tells an identical tale and follows a logical flow all through the conversation, and always has one correct response.
Types	There are several varieties, but the most prominent are simile and metaphor.	Just concerned about language.
Examples	This coffee shop is an icebox!	I slept really well last night.

What is Figurative?

Figurative language is the use of words in a way that differs from their traditional sequence and meaning to express a sophisticated meaning, colorful writing, clarity, or emotional contrast.

It uses a common language to allude to something without outright expressing it.

Fiction authors employ figurative language to engage their readers in a more imaginative tone that stimulates thought and, at times, comedy.

It adds more excitement and drama to fiction writing than literal language, which employs terms to allude to claims of reality.

Figurative language is a technique for making everyday language more efficient and perceptive.

It uses figures of speech to expand on a literal meaning to produce more engaging writing and accentuate our expression. When you use figurative language, you explain anything by contrasting it to something else.

The words or phrases employed have a figurative connotation.

It employs metaphors, analogies, figurative language, hyperboles, and other analogies to assist in depicting the thing under discussion.

The color you employ to accentuate your text is referred to as figurative language. It transforms a mundane statement into an emotive gown.

Figurative language is a creative method to engage your readers and guide them through your work.

Although the number of varieties of figurative language is sometimes contested, it is reasonable to state that there are 12 typical types.

What is Literal?

Literal language is defined as communication that says precisely what it means and means exactly what it says.

There are several methods of communicating with people and stating things; some are direct, while others are not so plain, leading to audience confusion.

This language has no figures of speech, smileys, or other symbols. While a book may convey diverse things and touch on different subjects, the literal language always has the same flow and manner of expression.

The fundamental topic will remain consistent, and everything will flow well from beginning to end.

The thing that becomes more relevant here is that individuals do not have to say things in multiple ways to transmit meanings,

simply one word and the specific meaning associated with assisting the listener and reader in understanding what the individual is attempting to express.

Aristotle was the first to recognize the distinction between these two names.

People have conducted various analyses to discover new meanings and related terms. The existing difference does not exist in modern English, owing mostly to people’s habit of speaking in the third person.

This direct meaning of stating things has become extinct, especially with the introduction of the web and online networking, where people want to communicate with each other and say things in other ways.

Main Differences Between Figurative and Literal

1. Literal language is defined as language that says precisely what it means and means precisely what it says. Figurative language, on the other hand, is the form in which the other person must derive the usage of word changes and the precise meanings.
2. Literal language is defined as anything that has the same meaning as the word and is noted word by word. Figurative language, on the other hand, refers to anything that includes several meanings and leaves people guessing about the true meaning.
3. Literal language provides the same tale, follows a logical flow throughout the debate, and always has a single correct response. Figurative language, on the other hand, may say one thing yet intend another and so has a double meaning.
4. The finest example of literal language is when someone tells another person they will be working. On the other hand, the ideal example of figurative language is telling your friend that his nose looks like a cherry or a poem.
5. Similes and metaphor are two of the most popular kinds of figurative language. On the other hand, literal language only deals with words and ignores everything else.

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378216601000455
2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/BF03210839

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023