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Figuratively for Dummies

pronunciation: 'fɪɡjərətɪvli

What does Figuratively really mean?

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Teacher: Hey there! So, we're going to talk about the word "figuratively" today. It might seem like a big word at first, but I promise I'll break it down for you in the simplest way possible. Now, have you ever heard someone say something like "I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse"?

Student: Yeah, I've heard that before!

Teacher: Great! That's actually a perfect example of speaking figuratively. When someone says they could eat a horse, they don't mean it literally. They're using words in a way that goes beyond their dictionary definition. In this case, it's an exaggeration to show just how hungry they are. It's like they're saying they're really, really hungry, but instead of saying it directly, they're using a fun picture in our minds.

Student: So, figuratively means saying something that you don't really mean?

Teacher: Exactly! Figuratively means expressing something in a non-literal or symbolic way. Instead of stating things exactly as they are, it's a way to add color and emphasis to our thoughts and ideas. Let me give you another example. Have you ever said "It's raining cats and dogs"?

Student: Yeah, I've heard that too!

Teacher: Perfect! So, when someone says "It's raining cats and dogs," they don't mean it's literally raining animals from the sky, right? They're using figurative language to describe heavy rainfall. It's like they're saying it's raining so hard that it feels like animals are falling from the sky.

Student: That makes sense!

Teacher: I'm glad to hear that! So, figuratively is a way to use words creatively and make our language more interesting. It helps us paint pictures in our minds and express ourselves in a way that might be more fun or impactful. It's like using a colorful paintbrush to create a detailed and vibrant picture instead of simply using a pencil to draw a basic shape.

Student: I like that analogy!

Teacher: Thanks! I'm glad you do. So, to sum it up, figuratively means expressing something in a way that goes beyond its literal meaning. It adds depth, vividness, and creativity to our language. It's a way to make our words more powerful and engaging. Just remember, when we use figurative language, our words are like a special tool that helps us create mental images that everyone can understand and enjoy.

Student: I think I've got it now, thanks!

Teacher: You're welcome! I'm really happy that you understand. Remember, if you ever need help with any more words or concepts, I'm here to explain them in a way that makes sense to you. Keep up the great work!

Revised and Fact checked by William Taylor on 2023-11-06 04:11:03

Figuratively In a sentece

Learn how to use Figuratively inside a sentece

  • When someone says 'my head is spinning with all this information', they mean it figuratively. It's not that their head is actually spinning, but that they feel overwhelmed or confused.
  • If you say 'I'm going to die of embarrassment' after making a mistake, you are using the word figuratively. You don't actually mean you will die, but that you feel really embarrassed.
  • When a person says 'her smile lights up the room', they are speaking figuratively. The smile is not actually producing light, but it means the person has a very radiant and happy smile.
  • If someone says 'the cat's out of the bag', they are using the word figuratively. They mean that a secret has been revealed or exposed, not that there is literally a cat coming out of a bag.
  • When you say 'he broke my heart' after a breakup, you are using the word figuratively. It means that you are very sad and hurt emotionally, not that your heart has literally been broken into pieces.

Figuratively Antonyms

Words that have the opposite context of the original word.

Figuratively Pertains To

Words to which the original word is relevant