Assignment 2: Figurative Language Versus Literal Language

Assignment 2: Figurative Language versus Literal Language

The lack of exposure to non literal forms of language makes it difficult to engage in productive thinking. Having the capacity to understand figurative language increases our ability to communicate with each other. By increasing our word bank we expand our knowledge base and increase our thinking capacity. Below are a list of ten words with their meaning, definitions, examples and appropriate circumstances in which to use them.

1. Describe the meaning and function of each term.

1. Idiom is a language, dialect or speaking style peculiar to a people.

2. Analogy is a similarity between two like subjects on which a comparison can be based.

3. Metaphor is a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to which is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance.

4. Simile is a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicably compared.

5. Cliché is a sentence or phrase usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea which has lost its originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse.

6. Amphiboly is ambiguity of speech, especially from uncertainty of the grammatical construction rather than the meaning of the word.

7. "Flame word" is a word used or tone used to insult someone.

8. Hyperbole is a figure of speech not intended to be taken literally.

9. Euphemism is the substitution of a mild, indirect or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh or blunt.

10. Colloquialism is a style or usage in a conversation (dictionaryreference.com, 2012).

2. Provide an example for each term.

1. Idiom - He went to the house on that play.

2. Analogy - He maybe a man but he is behaving like a two year old.

3. Metaphor - Cat eye can describe how one has excellent eyesight.

4. Simile - He is as hard as a rock.

5. Cliché - Haste makes waste.

6. Amphiboly - I took some good pictures of the model, but they weren't developed.

7. Flame word - How could you be so...