Figurative and literal language

literal language words used to mean exactly what they say, straightforward Examples: Kevin ate his dinner quickly. Mandy likes to talk a lot. Marvin really likes Miranda. The pencil was used to write on the paper.

figurative language expressing one thing in terms normally used for another to create an image or suggest an idea paint a mental picture Examples: Kevin ate like a pig. Mandy talks a mile a minute. Marvin melts when he meets Miranda. The pencil danced across the paper.

Literal vs. figurative Literal Figurative That candy bar is on the house. It is raining cats and dogs. The sun smiled upon us. My alarm clock yells at me every morning.

simile A comparison of two unlike things using the words like or as Example: As the girl was humiliated, her cheeks turned as red as an apple. The calm lake was like a mirror reflecting the mountains in the distance. Non-example: The girl is as tall as her brothers.

Metaphor A comparison of two unlike things by saying that one thing is a dissimilar object or thing. Examples: Dad is a monster in the morning before he drinks coffee. On Christmas Eve, the shopping mall was a jungle of people. Non-examples: Dad is a boat.

Hyperbole An exaggeration that cannot possibly be true. Examples: Josie’s new friend is as skinny as a toothpick. My backpack weighed a ton. Non-examples: Josie’s new friend is as skinny as a fashion model.

Personification Giving human qualities to nonhuman things Examples: The sun smiled at the world as it rose in the morning. The wind whistled through the branches of the trees. Non-examples: The pink flowers swayed in the April breeze.

Idioms A group of words whose collective meaning is quite different from their individual, literal meaning Examples: When Bill joined the military, Dad said he was swimming with sharks. Jillian wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a plaid shirt. Non-example: After falling overboard, I saw that I was swimming with sharks!

Alliteration The repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a series of words Examples: Hal hit the house hard with the hammer. Mickey Mouse munches on mozzarella cheese. Non-example: Andy hit the nail with the hammer.

allusion A reference to a person, place or event from literature, sports, history, movies or the arts Examples: Heather’s mysterious smile rivaled the Mona Lisa. While he was looking for clues in the scavenger hunt, Steve felt like Sherlock Holmes. Non-example: The Mona Lisa can be viewed in Paris.

Onomatopoeia Words whose sounds suggest their meaning Examples: The door slowly creaked open and then slammed shut! The thunder boomed loudly and shook the house. Non-example: “Hello!” I shouted into the empty house.

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