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Your question presupposes that there is one "literal meaning" to the word in question whereas there are a number of "figurative meanings". Where there are multiple meanings they can be read differently. It doesn't matter whether they are literal or figurative; it is quite possible for two literal meanings of the same word to be read differently. E.g. "I know the ship has a bow, but I don't know who it was that tied it."Figurative. ._.
When analyzing literature, one needs to examine literal word meanings as well as types of examples of figurative language and symbolism.
Figurative Language
The term for words that have more than the literal meaning is "figurative language." This includes figures of speech like metaphors, similes, and idioms which convey meanings beyond their literal interpretation.
Figurative language is a word or phrase that departs from everyday literal language
To look at this let us look at these examples using the word "Ton". Literal use of the word "ton". 1) There is a ton of sand in that pile. Figurative use of the word "ton". 2) I have a ton of homework to do tonight. Thus any statement or phrase intended to be interpreted in the strict meaning of the word or words - is literal, while any statement or phrase not intended to be understood literally - is figurative.
Figurative
In regards to vocabulary, connotation refers to the emotional or associative meanings that a word may carry, beyond its literal definition. It is the subjective and cultural interpretation that a word invokes, which can vary from person to person. Connotation can influence how words are perceived and understood.
Denotation is the literal meaning of a word, the dictionary definition. Denotation is the literal definition of a word, without any assumed or implied meanings. The most direct or literal meaning of a word.
Figurative means not literal. Figurative language refers to things like metaphors and similes.
Figurative language is used in literature to convey meanings beyond the literal interpretation of words. It includes techniques like metaphor, simile, and personification to create imaginative and expressive descriptions.