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Literal Meaning: Definition and Examples

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Literal Meaning: Definition and Examples
Literal meaning means straightforward or factual which is the dictionary meaning of a word. Hence, it refers to words that do not deviate from the defined meaning. Therefore, it maintains a consistent meaning of the word regardless of the context of the words used in a sentence. Figurative use of language is the use of words or phrases in a manner where the literal meaning of the words is not true or does not make sense. Figurative meaning is far more interesting when it is used in a sentence. It encourages us to use our imaginations. There are different ways to use figurative language in our daily life such as simile, personification, alliteration, paradox and etc.

Niklaus runs like a duck. (it’s a simile, as Niklaus is explicitly compared to a duck with the use of the words “like” or “as”)
Love is a ruthless game (it’s a metaphor, as one thing is compared to another without the use of the words “like” and “as”)
What is the meaning? It is up to the person of reads the sentence to interpret. That love has its winners and losers? Or it has rules to be followed? Again it is up to your judgement.
The literal language, it would be “is awkward and he waddles when he runs”

Literal meaning does not need interpretation while figurative meaning requires the reader to interpret the meaning of the sentence
Literal meaning means straightforward or factual which is the dictionary meaning of a word. Hence, it refers to words that do not deviate from the defined meaning. Therefore, it maintains a consistent meaning of the word regardless of the context of the words used in a sentence. Figurative use of language is the use of words or phrases in a manner where the literal meaning of the words is not true or does not make sense. Figurative meaning is far more interesting when it is used in a sentence. It encourages us to use our imaginations. There are different ways to use figurative language in our daily life such as simile, personification, alliteration, paradox and

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