Definition

Describing something that is not meant to be taken in its most basic or exact sense, often used in a figurative or symbolic way.

Example

The phrase 'kick the bucket' is a nonliteral expression meaning to die.

Conversation

I love how some songs have nonliteral meanings.

Yeah, it makes you think about them in different ways.

Exactly! It’s like you can interpret them however you want.

Totally, I appreciate art that challenges our perceptions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonliteral → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "literal" (from Latin "literalis", meaning pertaining to letters or the exact meaning). The word "nonliteral" describes something that is not meant to be taken in its exact or primary sense, often implying metaphorical or figurative meaning.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') and 'exact meaning' ('literal') to remember that 'nonliteral' refers to something that is not meant to be taken literally.

Visually Confused Words