Figurative Language Figurative language is what we call figures of speech, any language that is not meant to be taken literally.

Similes Uses like or as to make a direct comparison between two unlike ideas. Examples: She was as pale as a ghost. The rumor spread like wildfire. That student is as clever as a fox.

Metaphors Is when something is described as though it were something else. It does point out a similarity between two unlike things. Example “My dad is a bear when he wakes up in the morning”. Or, “The rapper’s hand was covered in ice”.

Hyperbole A figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect. Example: I could sleep for a year. This book weighs a ton.

Idioms Idioms are phrases which people use in everyday language which do not make sense literally but we understand what they mean Example: To stick your neck out is to say or do something that is bold and a bit dangerous. A similar idiom that is used for slightly more dangerous situations is to "go out on a limb." In both idioms, the idea is that you put yourself in a vulnerable position. To break the ice is to be the first one to say or do something, with the expectation that others will then follow. Another idiom that means something similar is "get the ball rolling."

Personification Is a type of figurative language in which a nonhuman subject is given human characteristics. Example: The flowers danced in the wind. The friendly gates welcomed us. The Earth coughed and choked in all of the pollution.

Symbol A symbol is anything that stands for or represents something else. Example: Heart can symbolize love. Four leaf clover symbolizes luck.