Figurative Language Definitions

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What is Imagery?

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Imagery is the use of language that engages the five senses: hearing, sight, taste, smell, and touch. Example: 'The scruffy black cat’s back arches and hair stands straight up when it encounters the chocolate brown snarling dog whose teeth look like little knives covered in butter.'

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What is Personification?

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Personification is giving human traits to something that is not human. Example: 'My alarm clock yells at me every morning to get out of bed!'

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What is Figurative Language?

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Figurative language uses figures of speech to build meaning beyond the literal.

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What is a Simile?

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A simile is an indirect comparison that typically uses 'like' or 'as'. Example: 'She is as happy as a cat riding a unicorn through space.'

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What is Hyperbole?

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Hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration. Example: 'Finally, on the millionth time he asked her out a date, she said yes!'

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What is a Metaphor?

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A metaphor is a direct comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'. Example: 'Time is a thief.'

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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. Example: 'It's raining cats and dogs.'

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What is Allusion?

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An allusion is a reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of art. Example: 'He has the Midas touch.'

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What is Onomatopoeia?

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Onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it represents. Example: 'buzz', 'hiss', 'bang'.

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What is a Cliché?

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A cliché is an overused expression that has lost its original meaning or effect. Example: 'Time will tell.'