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.

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 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