The difference between literal and figurative language

Taking things literally (and figuratively)

If you’re ever heard a person described as literal, it means they are likely using a very narrow set of meanings to parse information. If you say, “I’m blue,” they might think you’ve changed color overnight, whereas a common understanding we have of that phrase is that you might be feeling sad or depressed.

Write with Confidence using Editor

Elevate your writing with real-time, intelligent assistance

Learn more

This is an example of the difference between figurative and literal language and what it can communicate. Many of us have that sense that language and individual words can encompass many potential meanings, or hint at some larger truth, whether emotional or perceptual. Yet sometimes language can have very different purposes and usages. Let’s discuss the definitions of literal and figurative language.

• Literal language relies more on the dictionary definition of the words involved. There is no additional image, exaggeration, or comparison invoked in how the words are used. The meaning should be very clear and not require much additional clarification beyond that of context. This doesn’t mean that this kind of language can’t be descriptive—but the description is limited to what’s already apparent or readily visible.
• Figurative language illustrates a concept or meaning through many potential interpretations or contexts. It paints a picture that we interpret. It can use comparison, exaggeration, and imagery, and often relies on the total meaning or potential meaning of an entire phrase rather than individual words.

If you’re thinking that figurative language sounds like something creative writers and poets use, you’re correct! But this type of expression is around us everywhere, not just in novels. We often use figurative language because we’re creative, or as a means of relating to other people. Because humans are so creative and have such strong language capabilities, there are even different kinds of figurative language, such as metaphors, analogies, and idioms.

Typically, depending on the situation, we use a mix of literal and figurative language, and they are key to how we express tone and messaging. For example, if we’re providing directions, we are likely going to be more literal—“turn right by the stop sign” doesn’t have a lot of room for ambiguity, and it shouldn’t. We often use figurative language to illustrate concepts that are bigger than ourselves or don’t have a concrete visual representation, such as our emotions. In fact, we may not even know we’re using figurative language as much as we are.

How to use figurative language (or, how to be less literal)

It’s hard to provide tips on how to use language more literally—they’d boil down to “focus on what currently exists, be aware of meaning, don’t exaggerate, and try extra hard to communicate what you intend.” It’s easy to forget how much language is figurative—for instance, no one is boiling words to come up with simpler ideas. But here’s a few examples of ways you can intentionally use figurative language.

• Think of comparisons between two things that can illustrate your point. These comparisons don’t need to be realistic—your freezer isn’t as cold as Antarctica, really. But since we know Antarctica is cold, this comparison gives us useful information and drives home the point that your freezer is pretty frigid.
• Rely on feelings. Figurative language often evokes a reaction, even if that reaction is a sense of deep emotional understanding. You want to feel the cold of the freezer above, and wince when you consider the needlepoint tip of a pen or someone’s sense of humor.
• Be bold with your images. Figurative language works best when it’s memorable. The phrase “clown car” not only conjures up a car that probably looks a bit ridiculous—maybe it’s bright red or yellow—but also tiny and stuffed with far too many colorful, oddly dressed and made-up clowns for its size. To heighten the boldness, you can also exaggerate the contrast between elements of the situation. A clown car full of scientists is completely unexpected because we think of scientists as calm and rational, in opposition to how we normally think about fun-loving, rowdy clowns.
• It’s OK if things aren’t real. It is extremely unlikely that there will be an actual clown car full of scientists—but you can communicate that there are a lot of scientists in a small space effectively that way. And considering literal language is so grounded, it makes sense that figurative language is less tethered what’s actually happening or possible, as long it still effectively communicates its point.

Balancing your language between the figurative and literal is not only fun but learning when to use the two can help you become a more effective writer and communicator. Sometimes, there’s more than one way to say what you mean.