Literal meaning
Literal meaning refers to the explicit definition of words, phrases, or sentences as they are understood according to standard language definitions. It contrasts with figurative meaning, where words are used in a way that departs from their literal interpretation to convey more imaginative or emotional ideas. This distinction can be challenging, as many forms of figurative language—such as metaphors, similes, and hyperbole—invite readers to interpret based on context rather than strict definitions. For instance, a simile like "My friend is as busy as a bee" means that the friend is very busy, while a metaphor, such as "Mayor Reelected in Landslide Victory," indicates a decisive election outcome rather than an actual landslide. Hyperbole, often seen in everyday speech, involves exaggerated statements for emphasis, such as declaring "the best day ever" when referring to a pleasant experience. Additionally, the term "literally" has evolved in usage to also include hyperbolic expressions, reflecting a shift in how language can be perceived and utilized in contemporary contexts. Understanding these nuances can enhance communication and appreciation of language's richness across diverse contexts and cultures.
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Literal meaning
The literal meaning of a word, phrase, or sentence is exactly what it means according to the definitions of the words involved. Writers and speakers do not always intend phrases or sentences to be understood by their literal meaning. Instead, they expect the reader or listener to understand the phrase or sentence's figurative meaning. Colloquialisms, metaphor, and hyperbole are all examples of literary devices that use figurative meaning. Differentiating between the literal meaning and figurative meaning is sometimes difficult. In some circumstances, even the word literally may be used figuratively.
Literally vs. Figuratively
In the English language, sentences can be interpreted both figuratively and literally. To differentiate between literal and figurative meaning, it is important to understand the different forms figurative writing can take. Figurative writing can use similes, which are explicit comparisons that use the word like or as. An example of a simile would be someone stating "My friend is as busy as a bee." The literal version of this statement is "My friend is very busy."
Metaphors, which are comparisons that do not use "like" or "as," are also interpreted by their figurative meaning. A newspaper headline stating "Mayor Reelected in Landslide Victory" would be an example of this. The writer obviously is not trying to tell the reader that a force of nature had anything to do with the town's election process. Instead, the writer is using a metaphor to convey that the mayor's victory was forceful and overwhelming. An example of a literal headline referencing the same event might be "Mayor Reelected with 79 Percent of Popular Vote."
Lastly, one of the most commonly utilized forms of figurative meaning is hyperbole. Hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration used for emphasis. When using hyperbole, what might literally be stated as "a very pleasant day" instead may be described as "the best day ever." In another example, a speaker may refer to a particularly colorful sunset as "the most beautiful sunset anyone has ever seen." Just as with other types of figurative language, the reader or listener is expected to understand that the literal meaning of the statement is not the meaning they should interpret.
In recent years, the word literally has become a common form of extreme hyperbole. For example, someone who is very hungry might state: "I am literally starving to death." While this confusing and contradictory use of literally was originally considered incorrect, it is now included in most official definitions of the word. When used as hyperbole, experts now view literally as an unnecessary but technically correct exaggerative term.
Bibliography
Coleman, Dana. "According to the Dictionary, 'Literally' Now Also Means 'Figuratively.'" Salon.com. Salon Media Group. Web. 30 Dec. 2014. http://www.salon.com/2013/08/22/according‗to‗the‗dictionary‗literally‗now‗also‗means‗figuratively‗newscred/
"Figuratively/Literally." Choose Your Words. Vocabulary.com. Web. 30 Dec. 2014. http://www.vocabulary.com/articles/chooseyourwords/figuratively-literally/
Schwartz, Debora B. "Figurative Language and Rhetorical Devices." Cal Poly College of Liberal Arts. Cal Poly College of Liberal Arts. Web. 30 Dec. 2014. http://cla.calpoly.edu/~dschwart/engl331/figurative.html