Figurative language goes beyond literal meaning to add interpretation layers. Term first appeared in English late 14th century from Old French. Derives from Latin "figurare" meaning "to form, shape"
Figures of speech are rhetorical devices using words in distinctive ways. Hundreds of figures exist, but this article focuses on 20 main examples. Figurative language is commonly used in literature and everyday communication
Personification represents things or abstractions as human beings. Common in classical art, literature, and religious texts. Female personifications tend to outnumber male ones
Personification is describing non-human things with human attributes. Can involve single human qualities or complete personhood. Word "personification" has separate meaning of person embodying qualities
Figurative language uses figures of speech to deviate from literal interpretation. Tropes play with word meanings, schemes with sentence structure. Common types include metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole. Imagery is not figurative language, but can enhance it with figurative language
Apostrophe is a figure of speech addressing absent or unresponsive entities. Word comes from ancient Greek meaning "turning away". Always uses second person, sometimes with "you" or "thou". Often introduced by exclamation "O"