Literal and Nonliteral Meanings

Front

What does 'literal' mean?

Back

The actual meaning of words; what they say without exaggeration or metaphor.

Front

What does 'nonliteral' mean?

Back

A meaning that is different from the actual words; often uses exaggeration or metaphor.

Front

Example of a literal statement: 'The sky is blue.' What does it mean?

Back

It means that the sky is actually blue in color.

Front

Example of a nonliteral statement: 'I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.' What does it mean?

Back

It means the person is very hungry, not that they will eat a horse.

Front

What is the nonliteral meaning of 'bouncing off the walls'?

Back

It means someone is very energetic or excited.

Front

What does the phrase 'it's a piece of cake' mean?

Back

It means something is very easy to do.

Front

What is the literal meaning of 'This room is an oven'?

Back

It means the room is very hot, like an oven.

Front

What does 'cost an arm and a leg' mean in nonliteral terms?

Back

It means something is very expensive.

Front

What is an example of a literal phrase?

Back

'The cat is on the mat.' This means the cat is actually on the mat.

Front

What is an example of a nonliteral phrase?

Back

'He has a heart of stone.' This means he is not very kind or caring.