Here's a breakdown:
Literal language:
* States facts directly and clearly.
* Uses words in their ordinary, everyday meanings.
* Focuses on conveying information accurately.
* Example: "The sun is shining."
Figurative language:
* Uses words in a non-literal, imaginative way.
* Creates vivid imagery, emotions, or comparisons.
* Aims to enhance meaning, create an effect, or engage the reader's imagination.
* Example: "The sun is a golden ball in the sky."
Key Differences:
* Meaning: Literal language focuses on the literal meaning of words, while figurative language relies on implied or suggested meanings.
* Purpose: Literal language aims to inform or explain, while figurative language seeks to create an impact, evoke emotions, or emphasize a point.
* Interpretation: Literal language is generally understood in a straightforward manner, while figurative language often requires interpretation and understanding of its underlying meaning.
Types of Figurative Language:
* Simile: A comparison using "like" or "as" (e.g., "He's as strong as an ox.")
* Metaphor: A direct comparison without using "like" or "as" (e.g., "He's a lion in the boardroom.")
* Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects (e.g., "The wind whispered secrets.")
* Hyperbole: An exaggeration for emphasis (e.g., "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.")
* Idiom: A phrase with a meaning different from the literal meaning of its words (e.g., "kick the bucket")
In essence, literal language is like a straightforward road, while figurative language takes you on a scenic detour, offering unexpected views and enriching the journey.