Figurative Language Figurative language is magic in writing. It helps readers connect concepts and see the world in a different way. Explore the following figurative language terms to better understand how these styles affect the writing.
Simile--Comparing 2 unlike things using like, as, or than.
Examples: That dog is like a mammoth!
She is a beautiful as a rose.
He is taller than a skyscraper.
Metaphor--Comparing 2 unlike things by saying that one thing is another (does NOT use like, as, or than)
Examples: That dog is a mammoth!
She is a beautiful rose.
He is a twig.
Examples: That dog is like a mammoth!
She is a beautiful as a rose.
He is taller than a skyscraper.
Metaphor--Comparing 2 unlike things by saying that one thing is another (does NOT use like, as, or than)
Examples: That dog is a mammoth!
She is a beautiful rose.
He is a twig.
Personification--Giving a non-human thing/object/animal/etc. human-like characteristics.
Examples: The flower danced in the wind.
The boat hugged the shore.
Examples: The flower danced in the wind.
The boat hugged the shore.
Hyperbole--An extreme exaggeration
Examples: I have a ton of homework!
If I don't eat something right now, I'll starve.
Examples: I have a ton of homework!
If I don't eat something right now, I'll starve.
Idiom--A saying that is not understood literally. The society is the one who creates the meaning.
Examples: It is raining cats and dogs!
You'd better not spill the beans.
I am feeling a bit under the weather.
*Note: these are especially difficult for people trying to learn a new language
Examples: It is raining cats and dogs!
You'd better not spill the beans.
I am feeling a bit under the weather.
*Note: these are especially difficult for people trying to learn a new language
Alliteration--Repetition of a sound at the beginning of the words
Examples: Peter picked peppers.
Sally sells seashells by the seashore.
Examples: Peter picked peppers.
Sally sells seashells by the seashore.
Assonance--Repetition of the same vowel sound within sentences.
Examples: I yawned beyond sleep.
When I sleep, I don't make a peep.
Examples: I yawned beyond sleep.
When I sleep, I don't make a peep.
Onomatopia--The use of a word that give a sense of a sound or imitate a sound associate to it
Examples: Buzz
Roar!
Screech.
Examples: Buzz
Roar!
Screech.