Literary terms????????

Question

What is the term called when you say something be you don't literally mean it?

ex. I opened my heart to her.

You don't really cut open your heart but tell the person your feelings

I don't think it's irony so what is it?

thanks

Answer 1

Figurative language is language that is not meant to be taken seriously.  Examples of figurative language include metaphors, similes, hyperbole, and personification.

Answer 2

a metaphor, an expression?

Answer 3

Hyperbole

Answer 4

The opposite of "literally" is "figuratively".  If you don't mean it literally, then it's just "a figure of speech".

A "metaphor" specifically makes a comparison between two normally unrelated items.  "Hyperbole" is specifically an exaggeration that creates emphasis.  So, your example isn't quite a metaphor (some people use "metaphor" rather loosely), and it definitely isn't a hyperbole.

Answer 5

it's a metaphor. you are using imagery.