nonliteral

Nonliteral is an adjective used to describe language whose meaning goes beyond the literal interpretation of its words. In linguistics, semiotics, and literary studies, nonliteral language is contrasted with literal language and includes various forms of figurative or pragmatic meaning. Nonliteral expressions rely on shared knowledge, cultural conventions, and context to convey intentions such as imagery, emphasis, irony, or humor.

Common forms include metaphor, simile, metonymy, synecdoche, personification, hyperbole, irony, sarcasm, and idioms. Idioms are conventional phrases whose overall meaning cannot be deduced from the individual words. Metaphor involves mapping concepts from one domain onto another (time is a thief). Irony involves saying something opposite of what is meant, often for humorous or critical effect. Hyperbole uses deliberate exaggeration. These forms may be conventional (as in idioms) or novel (creative metaphor).

Nonliteral interpretation depends on context and audience; misinterpretation can occur across cultures or languages. In translation, nonliteral expressions often require adaptation to preserve intent and effect. In literature, nonliteral language creates imagery, nuance, and emotional resonance. In everyday speech, it functions to convey attitudes, stance, or humor without literal assertions.

Examples: “It's raining cats and dogs” (heavy rain); “Time is a thief” (time steals opportunities); “She has a heart of stone” (callousness).

Related concepts include figurative language, idiomaticity, and pragmatic inference. The term nonliteral serves as an umbrella category across disciplines for language whose meaning is not the directly stated proposition.