Figurative Language

Figurative Language

What is it?

Figurative language is when writers use words in a creative or unusual way to make their writing more interesting. Instead of saying exactly what they mean, they might compare things, exaggerate, or give objects human traits to help readers picture things better or feel emotions.

• Make writing more fun to read (it adds flavor and style).

• Help readers imagine things more clearly.

• Express feelings or ideas in a stronger way than plain words would.

Writers use figurative language to:

Types of Figurative Language

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Alliteration

• Hyperbole

• Imagery

• Onomatopoeia

• Personification

a comparison of two

seemingly unlike

things that uses like

or as

Example: Jane swims like a dolphin.

​​Simile

a comparison of two

seemingly unlike

things that implies

meaning without

stating it directly

Example: Seth is a Cheetah on the track.

Metaphor

repetition of

consonant or vowel

sounds at the

beginnings of non-

rhyming words

(common in poetry)

Example: The sly snake slither slowly on the sand.

Alliteration

an exaggeration used

to express a strong

emotion, make a

point, or create humor

Example: I am freezing.

Hyperbole

descriptive language

that appeals to one or more of the 5 senses: sight, hearing, touch,

taste, and smell

Example: The golden rays of the sun reflected on the water.

​​Imagery

a word or phrase that

imitates or suggests a

sound

Example: buzz

Onomatopoeia

gives human form or

characteristics to an

animal, object, force

of nature or idea

Example: The stars danced playfully in the sky.

Personification

​Remember the difference between a simile and a metaphor.

A simile compares 2 unalike things using the words "like" or "as".

A metaphor compares 2 unalike things but the meaning is hinted at without being said directly.

Match

Match the figurative language type with its defintion.

• Metaphor

• Imagery

• Hyperbole

• Alliteration

Comparison of 2 unalike things

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses

Exaggeration to make a point

Repetition of sounds

• Comparison of 2 unalike things

• Descriptive language that appeals to the senses

• Exaggeration to make a point

• Repetition of sounds

Multiple Choice

Which type of figurative language is being used in the following sentence?

The leaves danced in the breeze.

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Imagery

• Simile

Multiple Choice

Which type of figurative language is being used in the following sentence?

The friendly fox found fresh fruit in the forest.

• Onomatopoeia

• Imagery

• Metaphor

• Alliteration

Multiple Choice

Which type of figurative language is being used in the following sentence?

The cow said, "moo" to the farmer.

• Hyperbole

• Simile

• Onomatopoeia

• Personification

Drag and Drop

A​

Placeholder

compares 2 unalike things using "like" or "as".

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

Simile

Metaphor