Figurative Language

Figurative Language

Figurative Language

A word or phrase that does not have its normal, everyday, literal meaning. It is used by the writer to compare, for dramatic effect, or to make writing more interesting.

Connotaiton

the suggested meaning of a word apart from what it names or describes; used to evoke feelings or emotions. Can be positive or negative

Example: My house is ENORMOUS (as compared to) My house is BIG.

Multiple Choice

Which of these words is a negative connotation?

The nosy man went home.

• nosy

• man

• went

• home

Simile

A figure of speech that directly compares two different things using the words "like" or "as."

Example: He went after the ball LIKE a tiger pouncing on its prey.

Multiple Choice

Which of these is a simile?

• Her skin was baby soft.

• Her skin was as soft as a baby's skin.

Metaphor

A figure of speech used to make a comparison between two things WITHOUT using "like" or "as."

Example: Her hair is golden honey.

Multiple Choice

Which of these is a metaphor?

• Tom's eyes were oceans of blue.

• Tom's eyes were like oceans of blue.

Personifciation

When you give human qualities or abilities to an object or animal.

Example: The sun kissed our skin. The leaves waved in the wind.

Multiple Choice

Which of these is an example of personification?

• The lightning struck a building.

• The lightning danced across the sky.

• The lightning was bright.

Alliteration

When words that start with the same sound are used close together in a phrase. The sound is usually a consonant and words to don't to be right next ot each other (tongue twisters).

Example: She sells sea-shells down by the sea-shore.

Peter Piper picked a pack of pickled peppers

Multiple Choice

Which of these is alliteration?

• How much would could a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?

• A big black bug bit a big black bear.

Onomatopoeia

A word that mimics the sound of the object or action it refers to.

Example: Hiss, Buzz, Sizzle, Pow

Multiple Choice

Which of these are an example of onomatopoeia?

• boom

• pot

• pan

• fire

Hyperbole

A figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphases or effect

Example: This book weights a ton! I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of hyperbole?

• I walked 2 miles.

• I swam 20 laps.

• I jumped higher than the moon.

Idiom

A group of words established by usage as having a meaning not understandble from those individual words

Example: It's raining cats and dogs meaning it's raining hard

He kicked the bucket meaning he died.

Multiple Choice

What does the idiom "it's a piece of cake" mean?

• It's hard

• It's easy

• Eat cake

• Cake is sliced in pieces

Multiple Choice

What does the idiom "it's a piece of cake" mean?

• It's hard

• It's easy

• Eat cake

• Cake is sliced in pieces