Figurative Language Flashcard

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What is figurative language?

Back

Figurative language is a literary device that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. It includes various techniques such as metaphors, similes, personification, and idioms.

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Define 'metaphor'.

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A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things by stating that one thing is another, highlighting similarities between them without using 'like' or 'as'.

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What is an idiom?

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An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning, often culturally specific and not easily understood from the individual words.

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Explain 'personification'.

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Personification is a figure of speech in which human qualities are attributed to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts, allowing readers to relate to them on a human level.

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What is the purpose of using figurative language in writing?

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The purpose of using figurative language is to create vivid imagery, convey emotions, and enhance the reader's understanding and engagement with the text.

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Give an example of a simile.

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A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'. For example, 'Her smile was like sunshine'.

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What distinguishes a metaphor from a simile?

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A metaphor directly states that one thing is another, while a simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as'. For example, 'Time is a thief' (metaphor) vs. 'Time is like a thief' (simile).

Front

Identify the figurative language in the phrase: 'The wind whispered through the trees.'

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This phrase uses personification, as it attributes the human action of 'whispering' to the wind.

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What is hyperbole?

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Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect. For example, 'I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.'

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How does figurative language enhance poetry?

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Figurative language enhances poetry by adding depth, emotion, and layers of meaning, allowing poets to express complex ideas and feelings in a more impactful way.