The description you're providing refers to the use of figurative language. Figurative language includes various techniques and devices that authors and speakers use to convey meanings in a non-literal way, often to create more vivid imagery, evoke emotions, or convey complex ideas. Some common forms of figurative language include:
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Metaphor: A direct comparison between two unrelated things, suggesting they are alike in a significant way (e.g., "Time is a thief").
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Simile: A comparison using "like" or "as" (e.g., "Her smile was like sunshine").
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Hyperbole: Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect (e.g., "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse").
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Personification: Giving human traits to non-human entities (e.g., "The wind whispered through the trees").
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Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words for effect (e.g., "She sells seashells by the seashore").
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Symbolism: Using symbols to signify ideas and qualities (e.g., a dove representing peace).
These techniques enrich language and communication, helping convey deeper meanings or evoke emotions. If you have any specific questions about figurative language or related concepts, feel free to ask!