Literal vs. Metaphorical — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 8, 2024
Literal language states facts or ideas directly, while metaphorical language uses symbols or comparisons to convey meanings beyond the words' surface.
Difference Between Literal and Metaphorical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Literal language communicates information in a straightforward, exact manner, ensuring clarity and precision in its message. It's used in contexts where accuracy and directness are paramount, such as in scientific texts, manuals, and legal documents. On the other hand, metaphorical language enriches texts by implying meanings, emotions, or concepts not explicitly stated, relying on analogies, metaphors, and symbolic representations. This type of language is prevalent in literature, poetry, and everyday speech to evoke imagery and deeper understanding.
In literal expressions, words function according to their defined or primary meanings. For example, "The sun is shining" directly describes the weather condition without implying further meaning. Conversely, in metaphorical expressions, words transcend their literal meanings to suggest similarities or evoke emotions, as in "The sun is a golden disc in the sky," comparing the sun to a golden disc to emphasize its appearance or the beauty of the day.
Literal language facilitates clear communication and understanding, minimizing the risk of misinterpretation. It's particularly effective in conveying factual information, instructions, or data. Metaphorical language, however, engages the reader's imagination and emotions, encouraging a deeper exploration of the text's meaning. It allows writers and speakers to convey complex ideas or emotions in a nuanced and powerful way.
The use of literal versus metaphorical language can significantly affect the tone and perceived depth of a text. Literal language tends to be straightforward and unambiguous, making it suitable for informative or instructional content. Metaphorical language, by contrast, adds layers of meaning, enriching the text and providing readers with a more engaging and thought-provoking experience.
Choosing between literal and metaphorical language depends on the communicator's goals. If the aim is to inform or instruct clearly and directly, literal language is preferred. When the goal is to inspire, persuade, or evoke a deeper understanding, metaphorical language becomes a powerful tool, enabling the expression of ideas and emotions in a more vivid and impactful manner.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Uses words according to their primary meanings to convey facts or ideas directly.
Uses figures of speech to convey meanings beyond the literal interpretations of words.
Purpose
To inform, instruct, or clarify with precision and directness.
To enrich, evoke, and illustrate by implying deeper meanings or emotions.
Common in
Scientific texts, manuals, legal documents.
Literature, poetry, everyday speech.
Communication
Clear, straightforward, minimizes misinterpretation.
Imaginative, nuanced, engages emotions and thought.
Effect on Text
Ensures accuracy and clarity.
Adds depth, layers of meaning, and complexity.
Compare with Definitions
Literal
Directly states the reality or truth of a situation.
The book is on the table.
Metaphorical
Uses symbols, analogies, or figures of speech to imply meanings beyond literal interpretations.
Time is a thief.
Literal
Common in formal or factual contexts where precision is essential.
The manual states to press the button for three seconds.
Metaphorical
Communicates complex ideas or emotions creatively.
The silence between us was a chasm.
Literal
Serves to convey information clearly and accurately.
Please turn off the lights when you leave the room.
Metaphorical
To evoke imagery, emotion, or a deeper understanding.
His words cut deeper than a knife.
Literal
Ensures understanding without room for interpretation.
The meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. sharp.
Metaphorical
Prevalent in artistic, literary, or everyday expressive contexts.
The world's a stage.
Literal
Direct use of words to express facts or ideas without embellishment.
The window is open.
Metaphorical
May require interpretation to uncover layered meanings.
She has a heart of stone.
Literal
Conforming or limited to the simplest, nonfigurative, or most obvious meaning of a word or words.
Metaphorical
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate another, thus making an implicit comparison, as in "a sea of troubles" or "All the world's a stage" (Shakespeare).
Literal
Word for word; verbatim
A literal translation.
Metaphorical
One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol
"Hollywood has always been an irresistible, prefabricated metaphor for the crass, the materialistic, the shallow, and the craven" (Neal Gabler).
Literal
Avoiding exaggeration, metaphor, or embellishment; factual; prosaic
A literal description.
A literal mind.
Metaphorical
Pertaining to or characterized by a metaphor; figurative; symbolic.
Literal
Consisting of, using, or expressed by letters
Literal notation.
Metaphorical
Expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another;
A metaphorical expression
Metaphoric language
Literal
A letter or symbol that stands for itself as opposed to a feature, function, or entity associated with it in a programming language
$ can be a symbol that refers to the end of a line, but as a literal, it is a dollar sign.
Literal
Exactly as stated; read or understood without additional interpretation; according to the letter or verbal expression; real; not figurative or metaphorical, and etymonic rather than idiomatic.
The literal translation is "hands full of bananas" but it means "empty-handed".
Literal
Following the letter or exact words; not free; not taking liberties
A literal reading of the law would prohibit it, but that is clearly not the intent.
Literal
(theology) (broadly) That which generally assumes that the plainest reading of a given scripture is correct but which allows for metaphor where context indicates it; (specifically) following the historical-grammatical method of biblical interpretation
Literal
(uncommon) Consisting of, or expressed by, letters (of an alphabet)
A literal equation
Literal
(of a person) Unimaginative; matter-of-fact
Literal
(proscribed) Used non-literally as an intensifier; see literally for usage notes.
Telemarketers are the literal worst.
Literal
A misprint (or occasionally a scribal error) that affects a letter.
Literal
(programming) A value, as opposed to an identifier, written into the source code of a computer program.
Literal
(logic) A propositional variable or the negation of a propositional variable. Wp
Literal
According to the letter or verbal expression; real; not figurative or metaphorical; as, the literal meaning of a phrase.
It hath but one simple literal sense whose light the owls can not abide.
Literal
Following the letter or exact words; not free.
A middle course between the rigor of literal translations and the liberty of paraphrasts.
Literal
Consisting of, or expressed by, letters.
The literal notation of numbers was known to Europeans before the ciphers.
Literal
Giving a strict or literal construction; unimaginative; matter-of-fact; - applied to persons.
Literal
Literal meaning.
Literal
A mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind
Literal
Being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something;
Her actual motive
A literal solitude like a desert
A genuine dilemma
Literal
Without interpretation or embellishment;
A literal translation of the scene before him
Literal
Limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text;
A literal translation
Literal
Lacking stylistic embellishment;
A literal description
Wrote good but plain prose
A plain unadorned account of the coronation
A forthright unembellished style
Literal
Of the clearest kind; usually used for emphasis;
It's the literal truth
A matter of investment, pure and simple
Literal
(of a translation) corresponding word for word with the original;
Literal translation of the article
An awkward word-for-word translation
Common Curiosities
What is metaphorical language?
Metaphorical language involves using symbols, analogies, or figures of speech to imply meanings beyond the literal interpretations of words.
What does literal language mean?
Literal language means using words in their primary, exact sense without embellishment to convey clear and direct information.
How do literal and metaphorical language differ in purpose?
Literal language aims to inform or instruct clearly, while metaphorical language aims to enrich, evoke, and illustrate concepts beyond the surface level.
Can you provide an example of literal language?
An example of literal language is saying, "It's raining," to directly describe the weather.
Can literal and metaphorical language be used together?
Yes, literal and metaphorical language can be used together to balance clarity with depth, especially in narratives or persuasive speech.
In what contexts is literal language preferred?
Literal language is preferred in scientific texts, manuals, and legal documents where clarity and precision are paramount.
What's an example of metaphorical language?
An example of metaphorical language is stating, "It's raining cats and dogs," to emphasize the intensity of the rain through comparison.
Why is literal language important?
Literal language is important for ensuring clarity, accuracy, and minimizing misinterpretation, especially in formal, instructional, or factual contexts.
What makes metaphorical language special?
Metaphorical language is special because it engages the reader's or listener's imagination, evoking emotions and enabling a deeper understanding of the message.
Can metaphorical language be misunderstood?
Yes, metaphorical language can be misunderstood if the audience is not familiar with the context or the symbols used, leading to varied interpretations.
Where is metaphorical language commonly used?
Metaphorical language is commonly used in literature, poetry, and everyday speech to add depth and evoke imagery.
How does one choose between using literal or metaphorical language?
The choice between literal and metaphorical language depends on the communicator's goals, the audience, and the context, balancing clarity with creative expression.
How does metaphorical language affect communication?
Metaphorical language adds layers of meaning and complexity, enriching communication by engaging the audience's emotions and imagination.
Is literal language devoid of creativity?
While focused on clarity and precision, literal language can still be creatively used to convey messages effectively, depending on the context and delivery.
What role does metaphorical language play in poetry?
In poetry, metaphorical language plays a crucial role in conveying emotions, themes, and imagery beyond the literal meanings, enriching the reader's experience.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
