Figurative Language Painting Pictures with Words

Defined Figurative Language is language that goes beyond the normal meaning of the words used, often called “a figure of speech.”

Simile A figure of speech that compares two things using like or as.

Examples: The boys played like butterflies in a garden. Her memory is as good as an elephants.

Metaphor A figure of speech that compares two things without using the words like or as.

Examples: “Mama is a Sunrise” is one of my favorite poems. Carin is a rock.

Personification A figure of speech in which a nonhuman thing is given human characteristics.

Examples: The computer spit out my computer. My couch groaned under Aunt Elsie’s weight.

Hyperbole Exaggeration used to emphasize a point.

Examples: The music was loud enough to make my ears bleed. She’s told the class a million times to be quiet.