Why are metaphor simile and personification called figurative language?

Metaphor, simile, and personification are called figurative language because they use figures of speech, which are literary devices that create a vivid and imaginative image in the reader's mind by using language in a non-literal way.

Here's why:

* Figurative language departs from the ordinary, literal use of words. It goes beyond the dictionary definition to convey a deeper meaning or create a stronger impact.

* It uses comparisons, associations, and imaginative expressions to create a more engaging and memorable experience for the reader.

Let's look at each figure of speech:

* Metaphor: A metaphor directly compares two unlike things without using words like "like" or "as." For example, "The city was a jungle" compares the city to a jungle, implying its chaos and density.

* Simile: A simile compares two unlike things using words like "like" or "as." For example, "Her voice was like velvet" compares her voice to velvet, implying its softness and smoothness.

* Personification: Personification gives human qualities or characteristics to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. For example, "The wind whispered secrets" gives the wind the ability to whisper, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue.

In essence, these figures of speech are called figurative because they figure out or represent something beyond their literal meaning. They shape our understanding and perception of the world through creative and imaginative language.