Here's why:
* Figurative language uses words in non-literal ways: Similes, metaphors, personification, and other figurative devices rely on comparing things that aren't literally the same.
* Focus on the meaning created: The goal is to understand the implied meaning, the feeling, or the image the figurative language evokes. For example, if someone says "He's a lion in the boardroom," you shouldn't think about a literal lion but about the qualities the speaker is trying to convey (power, strength, dominance).
* Context is key: The meaning of figurative language often depends heavily on the context of the sentence or passage.
Here's an example:
"The sky is crying."
If you focus on the literal meaning, you'll be confused. But if you understand that "crying" is being used figuratively to describe rain, the meaning becomes clear.
So, instead of looking up definitions, try to:
* Consider the comparison: What is being compared to what?
* Think about the implied meaning: What feelings or ideas is the author trying to communicate?
* Pay attention to the context: How does the surrounding text influence the meaning of the figurative language?
By doing so, you'll be able to appreciate the beauty and power of figurative language in a deeper way.