Figurative Language Mrs. Francez

Literal Versus Figurative Words function exactly as defined The car is blue. He caught the football. Figurative You must figure out what it means That boy is like a walking dictionary. I have told you to do that a million times!

Metaphor Compares or equates two seemingly unlike things Definition Example Compares or equates two seemingly unlike things Her hair was silk.

Onomatopoeia Definition Example The use of a word or phrase that imitates or suggests the sound of what it describes Hiss Buzz

Personification Definition Example Giving an animal, object, a force of nature, or an idea human characteristics The stuffed bear smiled as the little boy held him close.

Simile Uses “like” or “as” to compare seemingly unlike things Definition Example Uses “like” or “as” to compare seemingly unlike things The sun is like a yellow ball of fire in the sky

Idiom Definition Example An expression whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of the words that make it up Over the hill

Hyperbole Definition Example Uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, to make a point, or to evoke humor Mile-high ice cream cone

Alliteration Definition Example The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginnings of words The wild and woolly walrus waits and wonders when we'll walk by