LITERARY DEVICE DEFINITIONS

Front

What is a metaphor?

Back

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things by stating that one thing is another (may use the key words 'am, is, are, was, were').

Front

What is a simile?

Back

A literary device that makes a comparison between two unrelated things using the key words 'like' or 'as'.

Front

What is alliteration?

Back

A literary device that uses the repetition of beginning consonant sounds in neighboring words.

Front

What is assonance?

Back

A literary device that uses the repetition of vowel sounds (a, e, i, o, u) in neighboring words.

Front

What is onomatopoeia?

Back

A word that imitates the natural sounds of something; sound words.

Front

What is personification?

Back

A literary device that gives human characteristics to non-human things.

Front

What is irony?

Back

A literary device where the intended meaning is different from the actual meaning; often involves a contrast between expectation and reality.

Front

What is hyperbole?

Back

An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect.

Front

What is imagery?

Back

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates a picture in the reader's mind.

Front

What is a pun?

Back

A form of word play that exploits multiple meanings of a term or similar-sounding words for humorous effect.