---
title: "Figurative Meaning — AP Lit Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Figurative meaning is what words suggest beyond their literal sense, built through metaphor, simile, and personification. It powers AP Lit poetry analysis in Unit 5."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-lit/key-terms/figurative-meaning"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP English Literature"
---

# Figurative Meaning — AP Lit Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Figurative meaning refers to the use of words or phrases in a way that goes beyond their literal interpretation. It involves the use of figures of speech, such as metaphors and similes, to create vivid imagery and convey deeper meanings.

## Related Study Guides

- [5.4 Identifying and interpreting extended metaphors](/ap-lit/unit-5/identifying-interpreting-extended-metaphors/study-guide/osflGu1cqkmlcSAT0H3R)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Metaphor](/ap-lit/key-terms/metaphor): A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things by stating that one thing is another. For example, "Her smile was a ray of sunshine."
- [Simile](/ap-lit/key-terms/simile): A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using "like" or "as". For example, "He ran as fast as lightning."
- [Personification](/ap-lit/key-terms/personification): Personification is a figure of speech in which human qualities are attributed to non-human entities. For example, "The wind whispered through the trees."