Literal and Figurative Meaning

A phrase that means something other than what it actually says

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

• Idiom

She is one smart cookie!

• She is very clever.

• She likes to eat cookies.

• She has memorized the recipe for cookies.

• She likes to make cookies.

What does FIGURATIVE mean?

• a statement of exact meaning of a word

• a small group of related words within a sentence or a clause; a group of two or more words that express a single idea but does not forma a complete sentence

• language that contains or uses figures of speech (simile, metaphor, personification, imagery, alliteration, onomatopoeia, hyperbole and idioms)

• none

Which one is NOT an example of figurative language?

• simile

• metaphor

• extended metaphor

• horizons

It's raining like cats and dogs.

• Figurative language

• Literal tanguage

True or False--Literal language is the exact meaning of a word or group of words

• True

• False

Why do people use figurative language?

• To make their writing interesting and visual, or to emphasis an idea and make a point.

• To be grammatically correct.

• To structure their writing into paragraphs.

• Because Beyonce uses it in her songs. 

If something is fishy, it is _________________.

• suspicious/strange

• exciting

• new

• expected/normal

Interpreting figurative language in context: In the sentence 'Her words were a dagger in my heart', what emotion is the author trying to convey?

• Intense emotional pain or hurt

• Physical injury and pain

• Anger and frustration

• Joy and happiness

I sat in the middle of the theater, bored out of my mind. A woman walked onto the stage. Dress dragging on the ground, sparling. Leaning back in my chair, I thought I would take a nap, but then she began to sing. Her voice was a bell. It rang in the air making me come fully awake. I could listen to her sing, it seemed, forever.

Which sentence is meant to be taken figuratively?

• I sat in the middle of the theater, bored out of my mind.

• Leaning back in my chair, I thought I would take a nap, but then she began to sing.

• Her voice was a bell.

• It rang in the air making me stumble over my own feet.