Figurative Language

Figurative and Literal Language Literally: words function exactly as defined The car is red. Figuratively: words do not mean exactly as defined. I’ve got your back. You’re a doll.

Comparison of two things using “like” or “as” or “than” Simile Comparison of two things using “like” or “as” or “than” Examples *The metal twisted like a ribbon. *She is as sweet as candy. *She is taller than a giraffe.

Metaphor Two things are compared without using “like” or “as” or “than” Examples *All the world is a stage. *Children are our riches. *Her heart is a stone.

Personification Giving human traits to objects or ideas. Examples *The sunlight danced. *The pain is calling my name. *Freedom walked away from me.

Imagery Descriptive language that appeals to one of the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Example Spring covered the winding path with a thick, colorful blanket of daffodils and wild flowers.

Exaggerating to show strong feeling or effect. Hyperbole Exaggerating to show strong feeling or effect. Examples *I will love you to the moon and back. *My house is a million miles away.

Understatement Expression with less strength than expected. The opposite of hyperbole. Examples *I’ll be there in a second. *You’ll be there in no time. *This won’t hurt a bit.

Onomatopoeia A word that “makes” a sound Examples SPLAT PING SLAM POP POW

Idiom A saying that isn’t meant to be taken literally. Examples Put yourself in someone’s shoes. I have your back. She is a dime a dozen.

Pun A form of “word play” in which words have a double meaning. Examples I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger and then it hit me. I was going to look for my missing watch, but I didn’t have the time.

Oxymoron When two words are put together that contradict each other. “Opposites” Examples Original copy Pretty ugly Freezer burn

Symbolism A person, place, thing, or event that stands both for itself and for something beyond itself. Examples Heart=Love Red=Blood Black = Evil

Repetition The repeating of a word, phrase, or sentence within poetry or prose to create an emphasis, unity, and/or power. Examples *The big, big sale ends Friday. *Every day, every night, in every way, I’m getting better.

Alliteration The repetition of the first consonant sound Examples *Larry lists the lovely lilies as his top flowers. *The dark and damp dungeons are dangerous.

Assonance Repetition of internal vowel sounds or rhyming sounds Examples *Men sell the wedding bells *I must confess that in my quest I felt depressed and restless. *Big hair don’t care.