Literary Terms Vocabulary

A category of literary composition.

• metaphor

• idiom

• genre

• inference

A figure of speech comparing to unlike things using “like” or “as.”

• simile

• metaphor

• personification

• hyperbole

A word or phrase which means something different from its literal meaning.

• hyperbole

• idiom

• imagery

• inference

When a word describes a sound and actually mimics the sound of the object or action it refers to.

• metaphor

• imagery

• onomatopoeia

• idiom

A conclusion or opinion reached based on known facts.

• inference

• expression

• metaphor

• metaphor

The use of language to exaggerate what you mean or emphasize a point.

• hyperbole

• onomatopoeia

• imagery

• simile

Visually descriptive or figurative language.

• idiom

• imagery

• inference

• expression

The process of making known one’s thoughts or feelings.

• imagery

• idiom

• metaphor

• expression

A form of figurative language where something that is not human is given human characteristics.

• simile

• personification

• idiom

• genre

A figure of speech used to make a comparison between two things that aren’t alike, but do have something in common.

• simile

• inference

• imagery

• metaphor