Figurative language is the use of words to convey meaning beyond their usual or literal understanding. Its primary purpose is to create an effect, generate humor, or exaggerate a point. Overall, we encounter figurative language in a wide range of contexts, from artistic expression to everyday conversations.
Figurative language examplesThey unfortunately tried to cut corners when they were renovating.
The cat was purring with contentment on my lap.
His requests for a raise have been met with deafening silence.
Connotation is the suggested or implied meaning of a word beyond its literal definition. This additional meaning varies depending on a person’s individual experiences and cultural context. Connotation plays a crucial role in how we interpret language, as it adds layers of meaning beyond the explicit definitions of words.
Connotation exampleThe literal meaning of “home” is the place where one lives. However, it may also be associated with feelings of warmth, safety, or deprivation, depending on a person’s individual experience. These subjective associations are what we call connotations.
An analogy is a comparison between two things that are typically considered unlike for the purpose of explanation or clarification. By emphasizing how two distinct entities or ideas are similar in some ways, analogies help us to comprehend unfamiliar concepts or ideas by drawing parallels with familiar ones.
Analogy exampleA good teacher is like a good captain. Just as a captain guides and steers the ship, a teacher guides and steers their students toward knowledge. Both must possess leadership skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances to ensure a successful journey.
Analogies are commonly used in literature, everyday language, and problem-solving.
Hyperboleis the use of exaggerated language that is not meant to be taken literally. This is usually done to emphasize a point or add humor to a situation. We encounter hyperboles in various contexts, including literature, advertising, and everyday conversations.
Hyperbole examplesHow’ve you been? I haven’t seen you for ages.
It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop a mile away.
He was as tall as a skyscraper.
There’s enough food in the cupboard to feed an entire army.
An overstatement is an exaggeration that makes something seem more important or serious than it really is. We often use overstatements when we explain or describe something and want to amplify the effect of our words.
Overstatement example“While her performance in the movie was compelling, calling it ‘Oscar-worthy’ would be an overstatement.”
Overstatements are used in various contexts, such as politics, advertising, and everyday conversation. However, we must be cautious of them as they can be misleading due to their exaggerated nature.
An understatement presents something as less important, less serious, or smaller than it really is. When we understate something we intentionally downplay it to create various effects such as humor, irony, and emphasis.
Understatement exampleCalling the movie “good” would be the understatement of the year—it received standing ovations and rave reviews from critics worldwide.
Like overstatements, understatements can be used in different contexts including literature, diplomacy, and everyday conversations.
Denotation is the literal or objective meaning of a word, devoid of any subjective feelings or associations. It is the most basic definition that everyone can agree upon regardless of their personal experiences or background.
Denotation provides a concrete and objective understanding of words, which in turn allows us to communicate with each other effectively.
Denotation exampleWhen you say “chair,” others will generally understand what you are talking about; a one-person seat with four legs and a back. Each person may picture it differently (wooden or plastic, an office chair or a dining chair, etc.) but they all share the same denotation or basic understanding of what a chair is.
An elegy is a somber poem or song, typically one that mourns the loss of someone who has died. Its purpose is to express feelings such as grief and sorrow, pay tribute to the dead, and offer consolation.
Elegy example: “In Memory of Major Robert Gregory” by William Butler YeatsNow that we’re almost settled in our house
I’ll name the friends that cannot sup with us
Beside a fire of turf in th’ ancient tower,
And having talked to some late hour
Climb up the narrow winding stair to bed:
Discoverers of forgotten truth
Or mere companions of my youth,
All, all are in my thoughts to-night being dead.
A proverb is a short popular saying that expresses a perceived truth based on common sense or practical experience. Proverbs are short and memorable and are commonly used in daily life to give advice or express a general truth about life.
Proverb exampleIt’s no use switching from one stressful job to an even more stressful one; it would simply mean jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.
When announcing the company reorganization, the CEO reminded everyone that you can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs.
Tom blamed the oven for burning the turkey on Thanksgiving, but as they say, a bad workman blames his tools.
Circumlocution is the use of more words than necessary to express an idea. Instead of saying something directly in a single word or phrase, we often choose a roundabout way of referring to it. Depending on the context of use, circumlocution can be evasive and confusing or a helpful communication strategy.
Circumlocution exampleIn everyday conversation, we use circumlocutions when we say “I wouldn’t mind having something to eat at the moment” instead of directly saying “I’m hungry” or “I’m weary at the moment” instead of saying “I’m tired.”
We can encounter circumlocution in various communication settings, including literature, bureaucratic language, or when we want to be polite.
