Figurative Language and Meaning

Figurative language is a way of using words to create a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. It includes similes, metaphors, personification, and more.

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'.

A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two different things without using 'like' or 'as', suggesting that one thing is another.

Personification is a figure of speech in which human qualities are given to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract ideas.

It means that as time passes, it takes away life's pleasant moments, similar to how a thief steals.

It implies that time seemed to pass very slowly.

It suggests that John was very angry.

It means that the person felt very cold while waiting.

It indicates that Vanessa was crying very hard.

The literal meaning is the actual, dictionary definition of the words used, without any metaphorical interpretation.