A contextual indicator may be verbal—something in the sentence conflicts with the literal meaning—or situational—a setting, addressee, or visible referent that establishes the intended sense.
Verbal example: “The lion presented arguments”; presenting arguments suggests a human speaker.
Situational example: pointing at a brave soldier and saying, “This is a lion.”
Several cues may work together. Their strength determines how securely the nonliteral meaning is recognized.
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Literal and Figurative Usage: Metonymy and Types of Metaphor
A contextual indicator may be verbal—something in the sentence conflicts with the literal meaning—or situational—a setting, addressee, or visible referent that establishes the intended sense.
Verbal example: “The lion presented arguments”; presenting arguments suggests a human speaker.
Situational example: pointing at a brave soldier and saying, “This is a lion.”
Several cues may work together. Their strength determines how securely the nonliteral meaning is recognized.