figurative (B2)
adjective
Pronunciation: /ˈfɪɡjərətɪv/
Definition
Using words or phrases in a way that is different from their usual literal meaning to create a more vivid or imaginative effect.
Examples
The phrase 'raining cats and dogs' is a figurative expression for heavy rain.
She used figurative language to describe her heartbreak, calling it a 'shattered mirror'.
His speech was filled with figurative comparisons to make his points more impactful.
How to Use figurative
- figurative language (collocation)
- The use of words or phrases with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. — "The teacher explained the difference between literal and figurative language."
- figurative speech (collocation)
- Expressions that convey meaning beyond the literal sense of the words used. — "Metaphors and similes are common types of figurative speech."
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