8th Grade Figurative Language

Front

What is a metaphor?

Back

A figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things by stating that one is the other.

Front

Example of a metaphor.

Back

"Time is a thief." This suggests that time steals moments from our lives.

Front

What is irony?

Back

A literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning.

Front

Example of irony.

Back

"A pilot afraid of heights" is ironic because pilots are expected to be comfortable with heights.

Front

What is personification?

Back

A figure of speech in which human qualities are attributed to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts.

Front

Example of personification.

Back

"The wind whispered through the trees." Here, the wind is given the human ability to whisper.

Front

What is an oxymoron?

Back

A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms.

Front

Example of an oxymoron.

Back

"Jumbo shrimp" combines two contradictory ideas: something large and something small.

Front

What is hyperbole?

Back

An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.

Front

Example of hyperbole.

Back

"I’m so hungry I could eat a horse." This exaggerates the speaker's hunger.