Figurative Language

Literary Devices:

Figurative Language

SIMILE

comparing 2 or more unlike things using "like" or "as"

Joe runs like a cheetah.

We are comparing Joe to a cheetah using "like"

METAPHOR

comparing 2 or more unlike things without using "like" or "as"

Joe is a cheetah when he runs.

We are comparing Joe to a cheetah without using "like" or "as"

Often saying something "is" something else

PERSONIFICATION

give human characteristics to something that is not human (i.e. animals, objects, ideas, etc.)

The trees waved in the breeze

non human object = trees

human characteristic = waving

HYPERBOLE

an exaggeration

ex: I'm so hungry I could eat a mountain of spaghetti.

exaggeration - eating a mountain of spaghetti is impossible

ALLITERATION

the repetition of the beginning sound (not letter) words close together

ex: George jogs while juggling jars.

Harry the hippo hates having hot dogs.

ONOMATOPOEIA

sound words

ex: boom, pop, crackle, sizzle, swish, ding

OXYMORON

comparing 2 or more unlike things using "like" or "as"

Joe runs like a cheetah.

We are comparing Joe to a cheetah using "like"

IDIOM

a saying that does not make literal, logical or grammatical sense, but people within the culture understand its meaning.

ex: Don't let the cat out of the bag.

It's raining cats and dogs.