What is "figurative language"?

Prepare for the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) Vocabulary exam for Grade 8. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and in-depth explanations. Get ready for success!

Figurative language refers to the use of words, phrases, or expressions that convey meanings beyond their literal interpretations. This type of language employs various figures of speech, such as similes, metaphors, personification, and hyperbole, to create vivid imagery and to provoke thought or emotion in the reader or listener. By using figurative language, authors can make their writing more engaging and relatable, enhancing the reader's experience by appealing to their imagination and evoking feelings.

In contrast, the other choices do not capture the essence of figurative language. Language lacking emotional impact focuses more on a straightforward presentation without the creativity that figurative language provides. Literal language without figures of speech does not utilize the creative expressions that figurative language relies on to convey deeper meanings. Finally, language focused purely on factual statements misses the artistic elements inherent in figurative language, which aims to resonate on an emotional or imaginative level.

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