Figurative language is not literal. The words have an implied meaning. Figurative language includes: Metaphor* Simile Sensory Details* Imagery Personification*Onomatopoeia Oxymoron Hyperbole Allusion

A metaphor compares two things directly (using is or are).

When she smiles, she’s an angel.

A simile compares two things by using the words “like” or “as”

Her tears ran down her face like rain.

The baby wailed like a siren.

Sensory details include information that appeals to our physical senses: touch, taste, smell, vision and sound.

The coins made the sound of small bells as they hit the bottom of the glass jar.

The texture of her hair was like dry hay.

When an author uses imagery, he/she is trying to paint a picture with words so that the reader can visualize what is being described.

The tree branches danced in the wind.

On the football field, he charged like an angry bull.

A reference to a literary or historical person, place or event or to another literary work.

When she lost her job, she acted like a Scrooge, and refused to buy anything that wasn’t necessary.

Our families did not approve of our relationship. We were like Romeo and Juliet.

An exaggeration that can be used for either serious purposes or to express irony or humor.

I’m so tired I could sleep for days.

Giving non-human things, human-like characteristics.

The church bells are singing.

The cup was sweating profusely.

When a word sounds like what it means.

Sizzle Hiss