Figurative Language

‘Figurative’ vs. ‘Literal’ ‘Literal’ means exact, real, or not exaggerated Felix Baumgartner fell so fast that he literally broke the sound barrier. It’s not an exaggeration. He REALLY did it.

‘Figurative’ vs. ‘Literal’ So be careful when you say something like: “I literally died laughing when he told that joke.” Really? I doubt that.

‘Figurative’ vs. ‘Literal’ ‘Figurative’ means not literal or exaggerated Authors use figurative language to make their writing more interesting. There are many different methods of using figurative language – you’ve probably heard of many of them.

Simile A simile is a comparison of two unlike things using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’ EX: He’s as fast as a speeding bullet. EX: She devoured her burger like a lion attacking a zebra.

Metaphor A metaphor is a comparison of two unlike things without using like or as. EX: The river was a ribbon of life winding through the arid desert. EX: The sun was a glowing orb of orange in the evening sky.

Hyperbole Hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration. EX: Sally took a million years to get ready this morning. EX: I haven’t eaten anything since breakfast. I’m starving to death!

Personification Personification is giving human traits or qualities to non-human things. EX: The sun smiled down on them. EX: The wind whispered through the trees. EX: Jim closed his eyes as the gentle arms of sleep wrapped around him.

Onomatopoeia Onomatopoeia is the use of words that mimic sounds. EX: Boom, crash, tick/tock, screech