1. Figurative Language

2. Figurative and Literal Language
Literally: words function exactly as defined
The car is red.
Figuratively: words do not mean exactly as defined.
I’ve got your back.
You’re a doll.

3. Comparison of two things using “like” or “as” or “than”
Simile
Comparison of two things using “like” or “as” or “than”
Examples
*The metal twisted like a ribbon.
*She is as sweet as candy.
*She is taller than a giraffe.

4. Metaphor
Two things are compared without using “like” or “as” or “than”
Examples
*All the world is a stage.
*Children are our riches.
*Her heart is a stone.

5. Personification Giving human traits to objects or ideas. Examples
*The sunlight danced.
*The pain is calling my name.
*Freedom walked away from me.

6. Imagery
Descriptive language that appeals to one of the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.
Example
Spring covered the
winding path with a thick, colorful
blanket of daffodils and wild flowers.

7. Exaggerating to show strong feeling or effect.
Hyperbole
Exaggerating to show strong feeling or effect.
Examples
*I will love you to the moon and back.
*My house is a million miles away.

8. Understatement Expression with less strength than expected.
The opposite of hyperbole.
Examples
*I’ll be there in a second.
*You’ll be there in no time.
*This won’t hurt a bit.

9. Onomatopoeia A word that “makes” a sound Examples SPLAT PING SLAM POP
POW

10. Idiom A saying that isn’t meant to be taken literally. Examples
Put yourself in someone’s shoes.
I have your back.
She is a dime a dozen.

11. Pun A form of “word play” in which words have a double meaning.
Examples
I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger and then it hit me.
I was going to look for my missing watch, but I didn’t have the time.

12. Oxymoron
When two words are put together that contradict each other. “Opposites”
Examples
Original copy
Pretty ugly
Freezer burn

13. Symbolism
A person, place, thing, or event that stands both for itself and for something beyond itself.
Examples
Heart=Love
Red=Blood
Black = Evil

14. Repetition
The repeating of a word, phrase, or sentence within poetry or prose to create an emphasis, unity, and/or power.
Examples
*The big, big sale ends Friday.
*Every day, every night, in every way, I’m getting better.

15. Alliteration
The repetition of the first consonant sound Examples *Larry lists the lovely lilies as his top flowers. *The dark and damp dungeons are dangerous.

16. Assonance
Repetition of internal vowel sounds or rhyming sounds Examples *Men sell the wedding bells *I must confess that in my quest I felt depressed and restless. *Big hair don’t care.