Pronunciation: [nˌɒnlˈɪtəɹə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "nonliteral" is spelled with the prefix "non-", which means "not," and the word "literal," which refers to something that is meant to be taken exactly as it is said or written. The IPA phonetic transcription of "nonliteral" is /nɒnˈlɪtərəl/, where the symbol ɒ represents the vowel sound in "pot," and ə represents the unstressed vowel sound in "sofa." The stress is on the second syllable, which is pronounced as "lit."
Nonliteral refers to something that is not meant to be taken in its literal or exact sense. It is a term commonly used in the field of language and communication to describe expressions, figures of speech, or statements that are not intended to be interpreted straightforwardly.
When something is nonliteral, its meaning or interpretation requires more than just the surface-level analysis. It often involves the use of figurative language, metaphors, idioms, or symbolism. Nonliteral language adds depth, complexity, and creativity to communication by conveying ideas indirectly or symbolically.
For example, the phrase "it's raining cats and dogs" is a nonliteral expression used to depict heavy rainfall, instead of referring to actual animals falling from the sky. Similarly, when someone says "break a leg" to wish good luck, it is a nonliteral statement that should not be taken literally.
Nonliteral speech can also include sarcasm, irony, hyperbole, or satire, which intentionally deviate from literal meanings to create humor, emphasize a point, or criticize something indirectly.
In literature, nonliteral language is often employed to engage readers, evoke emotions, or convey abstract concepts. Authors use various literary devices such as similes, metaphors, personification, or allusions to heighten the richness and complexity of their writing.
In summary, nonliteral refers to expressions or statements that require interpretation beyond their literal meaning, often utilizing figurative language, symbolism, or other linguistic devices to convey ideas indirectly or creatively.
The word "nonliteral" is formed by combining two elements: "non-" and "literal".
1. "Non-" is a prefix used to indicate negation or absence of something. It is derived from the Latin prefix "non-", meaning "not" or "without". This prefix is commonly used in English to form words that express the opposite or lack of a particular quality or condition.
2. "Literal" refers to adhering to the exact meaning or interpretation of words or text, without any exaggeration or metaphorical interpretation. It comes from the Latin word "literalis", meaning "of or belonging to letters or writing". The root of "literalis" is "littera", which means "letter" or "script".
