100 figures of speech with examples Language can be used in two ways. These are the literal and figurative use of the word. Literal language is direct, uses the true definition and meaning of idioms along with words. However, when figuratively spoken, the meaning of any word or phrase will depend on the context in which it is used. A way of speaking is based on the rhetorical department or this figurative language. When using speech figures, sentences will differ from their actual meaning in order to give these words a more specific and specific meaning. Types of Figure of Speech; Figure