What is the difference between figurative meaning and literal meaning?
*
Literal meaning is symbolic, while figurative meaning is exactly what is meant
Literal meaning is exactly what is meant, while figurative meaning can be symbolic.
The difference between figurative and literal meaning lies in the way language is used and interpreted.
Literal meaning refers to the straightforward, explicit interpretation of words or phrases, where their meaning is understood exactly as the words themselves suggest. It deals with the actual, factual, or concrete meaning of language. For example, in the sentence "The cat is sitting on the mat," the literal meaning would be that a cat is physically occupying the space on top of the mat.
On the other hand, figurative meaning goes beyond the literal interpretation and involves the use of metaphors, similes, idioms, or other figures of speech. This type of meaning relies on imagination, symbolism, or associations to convey a different, often more complex, message or idea. Figurative language adds depth, vividness, and literary quality to the expression. For instance, someone saying "He's a snake in the grass" is using figurative language to describe someone as deceitful or untrustworthy, rather than literally referring to a reptile in vegetation.
In summary, literal meaning adheres to the direct and explicit understanding of language, while figurative meaning involves a more imaginative, non-literal interpretation that depends on context, cultural understanding, and the use of figurative language.