Literal and Figurative Language Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of 'image' in descriptive language?

Language that uses exaggeration to emphasize meaning

Language that is taken literally

Language that compares one thing to another

Language that creates impressions by being imagined through one or more of the five senses (correct)

What does 'literal' language mean?

Language that means exactly what it says.

Define 'figurative' language.

Language that creates meaning using an image that is not meant to be taken literally.

What is a metaphor?

Figurative language that makes an implicit comparison between two things. Signup and view all the answers

What is a simile?

Figurative language that makes an explicit comparison using 'like' or 'as'. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of personification?

Giving human qualities to non-human subjects. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'hyperbole' mean?

Exaggeration used to emphasize meaning. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'symbol' in literature.

A literal image that has one or more figurative meanings. Signup and view all the answers

What is an idiom?

A phrase that has both figurative and literal meanings which are completely different. Signup and view all the answers

What is a pun?

A form of wordplay that suggests two or more meanings. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Literal and Figurative Language Concepts

Image: Descriptive language that evokes sensory impressions, enhancing reader visualization through touch, taste, sight, sound, or smell.

Definitions of Language Types

Literal Language: Means exactly what it states without any embellishments; straightforward and direct meaning.
Figurative Language: Uses imaginative expressions that aren't meant to be taken literally; encompasses metaphors, similes, personification, and hyperbole.

Types of Figurative Language

Metaphor: Implies a comparison between two unlike things directly, often using the verb "is."
- Examples: "Life is a fountain," "Man of steel."
Simile: Makes explicit comparisons using "like" or "as."
- Examples: "Life is like a fountain," "He is as slow as an ox."
Personification: Attributes human traits to non-human entities or inanimate objects.
- Examples: "The flowers danced in the wind," "The clouds raced across the sky."
Hyperbole: Engages in deliberate exaggeration to convey strong emotions or emphasize a point.
- Examples: "I haven't seen you in a thousand years," "This is taking forever."

Symbolism and Idioms

Symbol: A literal object that represents broader symbolic meanings; for instance, a flag symbolizes a country and its values.
Idiom: A fixed phrase with meanings that differ from the literal interpretation; examples include expressions like "kick the bucket" or "cat got your tongue."

Wordplay

Pun: A clever or humorous use of language that plays on words with similar sounds or multiple meanings for comedic effect.
- Example: "I read a book about gravity, it was a heavy subject."

Description

Test your understanding of literal and figurative language with these flashcards. Each card presents a key term along with its definition to help you grasp the concepts effectively. Perfect for language learners and literature enthusiasts!