Used to describe language or speech where words are not meant literally but instead represent something else or create a vivid image.
From Latin 'figura' (figure, form) plus -ative plus -ly. The word emerged to distinguish metaphorical language from literal language starting in the 1600s.
The human brain processes figurative language in a completely different way than literal language—metaphors light up the sensory cortex, which is why 'rough voice' and 'sharp words' literally feel textured in your brain, not just your imagination.
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