Figurative Language

A comparison using like or as

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Allusion

• Alliteration

Answer explanation

A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison using 'like' or 'as'. For example, saying 'as brave as a lion' illustrates this. In contrast, a metaphor directly states a comparison without these words.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.L.6.6

An exaggeration that cannot possibly be true

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

• Allusion

Answer explanation

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally, making it the correct choice for an exaggeration that cannot possibly be true.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5A

Giving human qualities to nonhuman things

• Onomatopoeia

• Idiom

• Personification

• Alliteration

Answer explanation

Personification is the literary device that gives human qualities to nonhuman things, making it the correct answer. Onomatopoeia refers to sound words, idioms are expressions with meanings not deducible from the individual words, and alliteration involves the repetition of consonant sounds.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.5.10

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

A mild/word phrase used to replace one that is thought to be too harsh

• Euphemism

• Oxymoron

• Alliteration

• Hyperbole

Answer explanation

A euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression used to replace one that may be considered harsh or blunt. This makes 'euphemism' the correct choice, as it directly fits the definition provided in the question.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5A

The use of words whose sound suggest their meaning

• Idiom

• Onomatopoeia

• Oxymoron

• Simile

Answer explanation

Onomatopoeia refers to words that phonetically imitate or suggest their meaning, like 'buzz' or 'sizzle'. This distinguishes it from idioms, oxymorons, and similes, which do not rely on sound to convey meaning.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

A comparison of two unlike things without using like or as

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Oxymoron

• Allusion

Answer explanation

A metaphor directly compares two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as', making it the correct choice. In contrast, a simile does use 'like' or 'as', while oxymoron and allusion refer to different literary devices.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RL.8.4

A group of words whose collective meaning is quite different from their literal meaning

• Alliteration

• Allusion

• Idiom

• Oxymoron

Answer explanation

An idiom is a group of words whose meaning is not deducible from the individual words. For example, 'kick the bucket' means to die, which is different from its literal interpretation.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5B

CCSS.L.5.5B

A reference to a person, place, thing or event from history, the arts, literature, or sports

• Oxymoron

• Alliteration

• Hyperbole

• Allusion

Answer explanation

An allusion is a reference to a person, place, thing, or event from history, literature, or the arts. It differs from oxymoron, alliteration, and hyperbole, which are other literary devices.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RL.8.4

The repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a series of words

• Personification

• Alliteration

• Onomatopoeia

• Allusion

Answer explanation

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a series of words, making it the correct answer. Personification, onomatopoeia, and allusion refer to different literary devices.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

A phrase with words that contradict each other with opposite meanings

• Idiom

• Onomatopoeia

• Personification

• Oxymoron

Answer explanation

An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms, such as 'deafening silence' or 'bittersweet.' This contrasts with idioms, onomatopoeia, and personification, which do not involve opposing meanings.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5A