Literal vs. Metaphorical: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Literal refers to the exact, straightforward meaning of words, while metaphorical implies a symbolic, indirect interpretation.
Key Differences
Literal interpretation takes words in their most basic sense without metaphor or exaggeration. For instance, "The cat sat on the mat" literally means a cat is sitting on a mat. Metaphorical interpretation, however, uses words to symbolize ideas or concepts, often to draw comparisons. For example, saying "He is a lion in battle" metaphorically implies bravery, not that he is an actual lion.
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When words are used literally, their meaning is clear, direct, and confined to their definition. In contrast, metaphorical language is more creative, using figures of speech like metaphors or similes to convey meanings that are symbolic rather than explicit. A literal "heart of stone" means a heart made of stone, but metaphorically, it suggests someone is unfeeling.
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Literal language is the foundation of factual communication, providing clear information without hidden meanings. Metaphorical language, on the other hand, enriches literary and poetic expressions, offering deeper, more nuanced interpretations beyond the surface level of the words.
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In literal expression, every word is factual, objective, and devoid of deeper implications. Metaphorical expression invites imagination, evoking imagery and ideas that extend beyond the literal meanings of words, often conveying emotions or abstract concepts.
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Understanding the difference between literal and metaphorical is crucial in both language learning and literary analysis. Literal meanings anchor language in reality, while metaphorical meanings expand it into the realms of creativity, emotion, and abstract thought.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Direct, explicit meaning of words.
Symbolic, indirect meaning of words.
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Usage in Language
Used for clarity and factual information.
Used for symbolic, creative expressions.
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Example in Literature
Descriptions based on factual details.
Uses figures of speech like metaphors.
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Interpretation
Taken at face value, without deeper meaning.
Requires analysis to uncover hidden meanings.
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Impact on Communication
Conveys concrete, specific information.
Evokes emotions, abstract concepts.
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Literal and Metaphorical Definitions
Literal
Concerned with factual or objective reality.
She has a heart literally refers to the physical organ.
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Metaphorical
Indirect or suggestive in meaning.
A melting pot of cultures metaphorically describes a diverse society.
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Literal
Conforming or limited to the simplest, nonfigurative, or most obvious meaning of a word or words.
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Metaphorical
Expressing something through an analogy or symbolism.
Drowning in paperwork metaphorically suggests being overwhelmed.
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Metaphorical
Representing one thing by another to imply resemblance.
Time is a thief suggests time steals moments, metaphorically.
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Literal
Avoiding exaggeration, metaphor, or embellishment; factual; prosaic
A literal description.
A literal mind.
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Metaphorical
Symbolic rather than literal.
Saying He has a heart of stone metaphorically means he's unemotional.
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Metaphorical
Using figures of speech to convey complex ideas.
The world is a stage metaphorically implies everyone plays a role.
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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.
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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).
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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".
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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).
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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.
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Metaphorical
Pertaining to or characterized by a metaphor; figurative; symbolic.
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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
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Metaphorical
Expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another;
A metaphorical expression
Metaphoric language
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Literal
(uncommon) Consisting of, or expressed by, letters (of an alphabet)
A literal equation
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Literal
(proscribed) Used non-literally as an intensifier; see literally for usage notes.
Telemarketers are the literal worst.
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Literal
A misprint (or occasionally a scribal error) that affects a letter.
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Literal
(programming) A value, as opposed to an identifier, written into the source code of a computer program.
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Literal
(logic) A propositional variable or the negation of a propositional variable. Wp
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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.
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Literal
Following the letter or exact words; not free.
A middle course between the rigor of literal translations and the liberty of paraphrasts.
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Literal
Consisting of, or expressed by, letters.
The literal notation of numbers was known to Europeans before the ciphers.
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Literal
Giving a strict or literal construction; unimaginative; matter-of-fact; - applied to persons.
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Literal
A mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind
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Literal
Being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something;
Her actual motive
A literal solitude like a desert
A genuine dilemma
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Literal
Without interpretation or embellishment;
A literal translation of the scene before him
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Literal
Limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text;
A literal translation
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Literal
Lacking stylistic embellishment;
A literal description
Wrote good but plain prose
A plain unadorned account of the coronation
A forthright unembellished style
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Literal
Of the clearest kind; usually used for emphasis;
It's the literal truth
A matter of investment, pure and simple
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Literal
(of a translation) corresponding word for word with the original;
Literal translation of the article
An awkward word-for-word translation
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Literal
Adhering to the exact word or meaning.
The sky is blue means the sky appears blue in color.
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Literal
Free from exaggeration or embellishment.
It's raining cats and dogs literally means heavy rain, not animals falling.
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Literal
Word for word; verbatim.
Reading a document literally means every word is considered as is.
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Literal
Not exaggerated or metaphorical.
He broke the glass literally means the glass was physically broken.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Why is understanding metaphorical language important?
It's key to appreciating the depth, creativity, and emotion in literature and everyday language.
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Can a sentence be both literal and metaphorical?
Rarely, as literal refers to the exact meaning and metaphorical implies a symbolic interpretation.
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What does literal mean?
Literal means taking words in their basic, most direct sense without metaphor or exaggeration.
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Can metaphors become literal over time?
Yes, if their usage evolves to be understood in a direct, literal sense.
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Do all cultures use metaphorical language?
Yes, though the specifics and frequency can vary greatly between cultures.
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Is scientific language literal or metaphorical?
Mostly literal, focusing on clarity and factual information.
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What is a metaphorical expression?
Metaphorical expression uses symbolic language to imply a meaning different from the literal interpretation.
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Are idioms considered literal or metaphorical?
Generally metaphorical, as they convey meanings beyond the literal words.
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How do literal and metaphorical differ in literature?
Literal language describes things as they are, while metaphorical language uses symbolism and figures of speech.
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How can I improve my understanding of metaphorical language?
By reading varied literature and practicing interpretation of figurative language.
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Can advertisements be metaphorical?
Yes, they often use metaphorical language to suggest benefits or values.
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How do children learn the difference between literal and metaphorical?
Through language exposure and education, children learn to distinguish between direct and symbolic meanings.
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Are similes and metaphors the same?
No, similes make comparisons using "like" or "as," while metaphors imply direct equivalence.
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Can literal language be misinterpreted?
Yes, especially if taken out of context or if idiomatic expressions are misunderstood.
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What role does context play in literal vs. metaphorical language?
Context determines whether words are interpreted literally or metaphorically.
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Why do poets often use metaphorical language?
To evoke emotions and convey complex ideas in a powerful, succinct manner.
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Is legal language more literal or metaphorical?
Generally more literal, aiming for clarity and precision.
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Is humor often literal or metaphorical?
It can be both, but metaphorical language often adds a layer of wit.
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Do all languages have metaphorical expressions?
Yes, though the forms and frequencies vary.
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How does metaphorical language enrich communication?
It adds depth, emotion, and creativity to our expressions.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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