Figurative Language Definitions GLE Recognize and understand basic literary terms (e.g., simile, metaphor, setting, point of view, alliteration, onomatopoeia) Know and use basic literary devices (e.g., imagery, metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole). SPI Identify similes, metaphors, personification, and hyperbole in context. SPI Identify the effect of sound within context (i.e., onomatopoeia, alliteration, rhythm, rhyme, repetition).

Figurative Language Terms alliteration assonance hyperbole idiom imagery irony metaphor onomatopoeia personification simile symbolism

alliteration the repetition of consonant sounds within words in a sentence or phrase Example: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

assonance the repetition of a vowel sound Example: The sound of the hound was bound to make me crazy.

hyperbole an obvious and intentional exaggeration Example: I am so hungry; I could eat a horse.

idiom Phrase where the words together have a different meaning than the dictionary definitions of the individual words Example: It’s raining cats and dogs. On cloud nine.

imagery use of vivid or figurative language to represent objects, actions, or ideas and appealing to all five senses

irony Something that is unexpected Example: You want your brother to get in trouble, but you get in trouble instead.

metaphor a comparison between two unlike things using the verb “to be”. Metaphors are similar to similes BUT don’t use “like” or “as”. Example: Her face is an open book.

onomatopoeia a word that imitates the sound that it makes. It says the sound. Example: Crack! Boom! Blam!

personification giving human qualities to something that is not human Example: The trees danced in the wind.

simile comparison of two unlike things using either the word “like” or “as” Example: Her face is like an open book.

symbolism Something that represents or stands for something else. Example: A dove is a symbol of peace.