Figurative Language Vocabulary

​Figurative Language Terms

Please make sure you copy down the words and definitions into your notes and study. You will be expected to know how to spell the vocab words and identify them with examples. It would be wise to study the examples given as well.

1.Alliteration

the repetition of the first (initial) sound at the beginning of two or more words close to one another

"do or die"
"the sweet smell of success"
"now or never"
"safe and sound"

2.Repetition

The repeating of words or phrases done for an obvious
intent or to emphasize an idea.

Keeping time, time, time
In a sort of Runic rhyme,
To the paean of the bells
Of the bells
To the throbbing of the bells
Of the bells, bells, bells

3.onomatopoeia

the use of real words that imitate sounds

clang, moo, meow, boom, buzz

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4.simile

a comparison between two things using "like" or "as"

He is as tall as a tree!

5.metaphor

a comparison made WITHOUT using "like" or "as"

He is a tree!

6.Imagery

Language that appeals to the five senses. Words or phrases that help you see, smell, hear, taste, or feel something.

Then a mile of warm sea-scented beach.
Three fields to cross till a farm appears;
A tap at the pane, the quick sharp scratch
And blue spurt of a lighted match.

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7.personification

adding human traits to non-living objects

The alarm clocked yelled at me.

8.Tone

the author's attitudes, ideas, and/or feeling about a certain topic

9.Mood

the feeling the reader or audience is supposed to get

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Allusion

a reference to a well known story, person, or event

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11. Symbolism

An object or color in literature that represents a larger idea

12. Hyperbole

An exaggeration used to express feeling

I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse.
I'm dying of boredom

13. Rhyme Scheme

The pattern of rhyming words at the end of lines in a poem

14. Oxymoron

A figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined/2
words are right next to each other

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15. Paradox

similar to an oxymoron but includes a whole phrase, not just two words.

16. Central Idea/Theme

the main idea or lesson to learn from the text; is at least
one sentence and can be supported by evidence/quotes

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