What Is Figurative Language? | Definition & Examples
Figurative language involves using words in ways that extend beyond their literal meanings to create vivid imagery or evoke emotions. This includes techniques such as metaphors, idioms, and similes, which can make ideas more engaging and relatable.
It is the opposite of literal language, which focuses strictly on facts without any embellishment or imagination.
The cat was purring with contentment on my lap. [onomatopoeia]
His requests for a raise have been met with deafening silence. [hyperbole]
My niece is a little angel. [metaphor]
Figurative language can make your writing more engaging, but it can be difficult to incorporate naturally. QuillBot’s free AI writer can give you suggestions for figurative language to improve any type of writing.
What is figurative language?
Figurative language is a literary tool that employs words with non-literal meanings. Whereas literal language conveys information directly, figurative language requires creative interpretation as its meaning or intention goes beyond the typical uses of words and phrases.
Figurative language is not just an aesthetic choice; it serves a fundamental purpose by enriching how we express our ideas and experiences. It makes our everyday communication more vivid and interesting.
In literature, it is a versatile tool that enables writers to engage a reader’s imagination and sense of humor. Without figurative language, stories would be flat and uninteresting. Also, poetry would be hard to understand if one only focused on its literal meaning, as it heavily relies on this literary device.
10 types of figurative language with examples
There are different types of figurative language, each with its unique purpose and effect.
Here are some of the most common ones:
Idiom
An idiom is an expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of the words it is made of. Because idioms do not align with literal interpretations or standard grammatical rules, they can be challenging for non-native speakers.
Let the cat out of the bag [to accidentally reveal a secret]
Turn a blind eye [to refuse to acknowledge a known truth]
Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech in which one thing is described in terms of another, unrelated thing. The comparison is usually implicit (i.e., they do not include the words “like” or “as”).
Time is money.
He is the black sheep of his family.
Simile
A simile is an explicit comparison between two unlike things using the words “like” or “as.” Its purpose is to emphasize or exaggerate a specific quality of one thing by comparing it to something else.
She’s as fierce as a tiger.
He was as quiet as a mouse.
Hyperbole
A hyperbole is an exaggerated comparison or overstatement typically used to express a strong emotion, make a point, or add humor.
I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.
It was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop a mile away.
Personification
Personification is the metaphorical attribution of human traits, like thoughts, feelings, and actions, to something non-human.
The dead leaves danced in the cold winter breeze.
After six hours of driving, the car begged the driver to stop.
Alliteration
Alliteration occurs when two or more words in close proximity begin with the same consonant sound. We often encounter alliteration in literature and tongue twisters.
“But,” said she, “this butter’s bitter!
If I put it in my batter,
It will make my batter bitter.
But a bit of better butter
Will but make my batter better.”
Irony
Irony is saying something that is the opposite of what you mean or what the reality of the situation is. In other words, there is a contrast between the literal statement and the intended meaning.
Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is using words that imitate the sound of the thing they describe. This can be anything from mechanical sounds to animal vocalizations.
Oxymoron
An oxymoron occurs when we use two words with opposite or contradictory meanings to express a new meaning.
Creating a business is all about taking calculated risks.
Their affair was an open secret in the office.
Analogy
An analogy is a comparison between two things to highlight their similarities. Analogies are often used to explain principles or ideas.
Figurative language examples
Figurative language appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to creative works, such as literature and music.
Figurative language in songs
Similes often appear in song lyrics to express intense emotions. For instance, in Billie Eilish’s song “Wildflower,” the phrases “like a fever” and “like I’m burning alive” illustrate that these memories aren’t merely casual thoughts; they feel overwhelming and physically consuming.
All the time
Like a fever
Like I’m burning alive
Figurative language for kids
Understanding metaphors, similes, and other figurative expressions can help children better grasp the full meaning of what others are saying and express their own thoughts more creatively. Here are some examples.
The cat meowed for some milk. [onomatopoea]
You snore louder than a freight train. [hyperbole]
That test was a piece of cake. [idiom]
Figurative language in literature
Literature often employs figurative language to create vivid imagery and convey deep emotions. A notable example is from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, when Romeo first sees Juliet (Act 2, Scene 2).
Here, this metaphor emphasizes Juliet’s beauty and significance to Romeo, portraying her as bright and life-giving. It also reflects the play’s theme of light versus darkness: Romeo and Juliet symbolize light, while their feuding families represent darkness. Shakespeare’s metaphorical language elevates Romeo’s attraction, portraying it as more than simple infatuation.
Dead metaphors
Some figurative expressions evolve into what are known as “dead metaphors.” These phrases were once vivid and imaginative, but have become so common that their figurative origins are rarely noticed
| Dead metaphor | Literal meaning | Figurative meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Fly off the handle | What happens when an axe head detaches during use | To lose one’s temper suddenly |
| Time is running out | An hourglass running out of sand | A deadline or opportunity is nearing its end |
| Stick in the mud | A stick stuck in wet ground, unable to move | A dull person or someone who resists change |
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Figurative language is a powerful tool, but it needs to be used thoughtfully to be effective. Here are some common pitfalls and tips to help you avoid them:
- Don’t overdo it: Using too much figurative language can overwhelm readers and make your writing feel cliché or forced.
Tip: If you notice several figurative phrases in one paragraph, consider trimming some to keep your writing balanced. - Match your audience: Figurative language isn’t always appropriate—avoid it in formal or technical writing where clarity and precision matter most.
Tip: When writing for experts or specialists, stick to clear, literal language. - Keep it clear for everyone: Non-native speakers might struggle to understand figurative expressions, so use them thoughtfully depending on who’s reading.
Tip: If your audience includes learners of the language, explain or avoid complex idioms and metaphors. - Balance is key: Use figurative language to enhance your message, not distract from it. Make sure it supports your point rather than complicates it.
Tip: Read your writing aloud to check if figurative language feels natural or confusing.
Frequently asked questions about figurative language
- What is an example of figurative language?
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An example of figurative language is the sentence “I only go to the cinema once in a blue moon.” More specifically, “once in a blue moon” is an idiom that indicates something extremely rare in occurrence.
For more examples of figurative language, try asking QuillBot’s free AI text generator.
- Is imagery figurative language?
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Not always. Imagery includes both literal descriptions (“The red roses bloomed”) and figurative language (“Her voice was soft like velvet”). When imagery uses comparisons, metaphors, or nonliteral descriptions, it becomes figurative language.
QuillBot’s free AI story writer can help you add imagery and other figurative language to your stories.
- Is symbolism figurative language?
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Yes. Symbolism uses objects, colors, or elements to represent deeper meanings beyond their literal sense, making it a type of figurative language. For example, a dove symbolizing peace goes beyond the actual bird.
For more examples of symbolism, try asking QuillBot’s AI Chat.
- Is irony figurative language?
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Yes. Irony expresses meaning through contrast between expectation and reality, or by saying one thing while meaning another. This indirect expression of meaning makes it figurative language.
QuillBot’s free AI Chat can give you examples of irony or any other type of figurative language.
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Nikolopoulou, K. (2025, July 14). What Is Figurative Language? | Definition & Examples. Quillbot. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from http://qbot.seotoolbuy.com/blog/rhetoric/figurative-language/
