Figurative Language Overview

The comparison of one unlike thing with another thing without using “like” or “as”

in order to show their similarities.

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Oxymoron

The repetition of initial consonant or vowel sounds in two or more neighboring words.

• Onomatopoeia

• Hyperbole

• Imagery

• Alliteration

The comparison of two unlike things in order to show their similarities using “like” or “as.”

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Oxymoron

• Personification

The use of an object to represent a larger concept, idea, or theme.

• Simile

• Hyperbole

• Imagery

• Symbolism

An extreme exaggeration intended to make a point or create emphasis.

• Onomatopoeia

• Hyperbole

• Symbolism

• Metaphor

The attribution of human qualities to something that is not human.

• Hyperbole

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Oxymoron

The combination of two contradictory or juxtaposing words.

• Oxymoron

• Onomatopoeia

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

A word that describes a sound and mimics that sound as it is said.

• Alliteration

• Personification

• Imagery

• Onomatopoeia

Vivid, descriptive language that evokes the senses.

• Personification

• Imagery

• Hyperbole

• Metaphor