What is meant by "figurative language"?

Figurative language refers to language that uses figures of speech to create vivid imagery and express complex ideas beyond their literal meanings. This includes various devices such as metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, and more. When an author employs figurative language, they are able to convey emotions, colors, and experiences in a way that engages the reader's imagination and evokes deeper understanding. This type of language is essential for creating richness in literature, allowing for nuances that plain, literal language cannot capture.

The other options fall short because they either restrict the definition of figurative language too narrowly or mischaracterize its creative nature. Figurative language is about enhancing expression, not about only conveying straightforward ideas or lacking creativity.