Figurative Language Techniques

Front

Writing or speech not meant to be literal, often imaginative and vivid.

Back

figurative language

Front

A figure of speech comparing two unlikely things. Example: "My nephew is a monkey!"

Back

metaphor

Front

Comparison of two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'. Example: "She dances like a chicken on hot coals."

Back

simile

Front

Giving human traits to animals, objects, or ideas. Example: "The chocolate cake was calling my name."

Back

personification

Front

An exaggerated statement to emphasize an idea. Example: "I've told you a million times."

Back

hyperbole

Front

Words that sound like their objects/actions. Example: "The guitar twanged as he thumped on it."

Back

onomatopoeia

Front

Repetition of vowel sounds. Example: "Try to light the fire by the ottoman over there."

Back

assonance

Front

A contradictory statement that makes sense. Example: "Deep down you are actually quite shallow."

Back

paradox

Front

Repetition of a word/phrase at the start of successive clauses. Example: "Every man, every woman, every child, should be loved."

Back

anaphora

Front

A figure of speech where a part represents the whole or vice versa. Example: "I see many new faces here tonight."

Back

synecdoche