Philosophy Of Language Questions Medium
Literal language refers to the use of words or phrases in their most basic and straightforward sense, without any additional layers of meaning or symbolism. It is the use of language in a straightforward and direct manner, where the words are meant to be understood exactly as they are stated. For example, if someone says "It is raining cats and dogs," in a literal sense, it means that it is raining heavily.
On the other hand, figurative language involves the use of words or phrases in a way that goes beyond their literal meaning, often using metaphors, similes, or other figures of speech to create a deeper or more imaginative understanding. Figurative language is used to convey ideas, emotions, or concepts that cannot be easily expressed through literal language. For example, if someone says "He has a heart of gold," it is a figurative expression implying that the person is kind and generous, rather than literally having a heart made of gold.
In summary, the main difference between literal and figurative language lies in their intended meanings. Literal language is straightforward and meant to be understood exactly as stated, while figurative language uses words or phrases in a non-literal sense to convey deeper meanings or create vivid imagery.