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Literal: meaning and figurative language examples
literal means using the exact, ordinary meaning of the words. Watch the story, then try free practice below.
Read the story
I'm buried in homework!
I'll dig you out!
Not literally— there's just too much!
Right! Literal means the exact meaning.
Words change everything.
Explore the word · adjective
What does literal mean?
using the exact, ordinary meaning of the words.
How the story shows the meaning
The student is not under a pile of earth. “Buried in homework” exaggerates how much work there is. The friend imagines actual digging, which treats the words literally.
literal in a sentence
- Literal: “The books are on the desk” describes where the books really are.
- Figurative: “The homework mountain keeps growing” compares a large amount of work to a mountain.
- The literal meaning of “break the ice” is to crack frozen water; in a conversation, the phrase can mean helping people feel comfortable.
Literal and figurative describe how language is being used. Figurative language is not automatically a lie: a speaker may use a comparison to communicate an idea.
Check your understanding
Read the answer and explanation
The bird is flying above the playground. Correct. The bird is actually moving through the air.
Try two more questions
Explain your thinking, then open a sample answer. These are extra practice examples to use after watching.
1. What are two possible meanings of “The room was freezing”?
Show sample answer
It could describe a temperature at or below the freezing point, or exaggerate how cold the room felt. More context helps you decide.
2. Write a literal sentence and a figurative sentence about a busy school day.
Show sample answer
One pair is “I have three assignments tonight” and “I have a mountain of work tonight.” The second uses a comparison; other clear pairs can work.
Companion lesson by Parrivo · Updated