figurative meaning
noun phrase
Meaning
A non-literal sense of a word or phrase that relies on imagery, metaphor, or symbolism to convey an idea.
Examples
- The phrase 'break a leg' has a figurative meaning in theater, where it is used to wish someone good luck.
- Students often struggle to identify the figurative meaning behind the complex metaphors used in classic poetry.
Synonyms: metaphorical, symbolic, non-literal, allegorical