Figurative Language and Poetic Devices

A word or phrase used in place of another to literally represent a likeness or analogy between the two.

• Allusion

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Apostrophe

Giving human characteristics to a nonhuman or nonliving thing.

• Allegory

• Persona

• Allusion

• Personification

An overexaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.

• Hyperbole

• Paradox

• Oxymoron

• Apostrophe

An implied or indirect reference to a person, event, or thing, or to a part of another text.

• Allegory

• Apostrophe

• Aphorism

• Allusion

The naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it.

• Oxymoron

• Personification

• Onomatopoeia

• Hyperbole

The same letter or sounds at the beginning of words.

• Alliteration

• Assonance

• Consonance

• Rhyme

Whenever a person says or does something that departs from what they (or we) expect them to say or do.

• Hyperbole

• Paradox

• Oxymoron

• Irony

Words and phrases that appeal to the five senses.

• Figurative Language

• Imagery

• Poetry

• Diction

A contradiction between two words put together.

• Onomatopoeia

• Epigram

• Apostrophe

• Oxymoron

A seemingly contradictory statement.

• Oxymoron

• Onomatopoeia

• Paradox

• Apostrophe