Figurative Language

Figurative Language

• Goes beyond the literal meaning of words.
• Is the use of words beyond what they usually mean.
• Is meant to be interpreted imaginatively.

Writers use figurative language to create vivid pictures, ideas, and feelings in the reader's mind.

Figures of Speech

• Similies
• Metaphors
• Personification
• Onomatopoeia
• Alliteration
• Hyperbole
• Idiom
• Allusion

How to Understand Figurative Language

• Look for clues in the reading passage to help you figure out the author's purpose.
• Clues might be in the sentence where the words are found or just before or after the figurative language.

Simile: A Simile compares two things using the words "like" or "as."

Simile Examples

• Happy as a clown.
• They're like two peas in a pod.
• Cute as a puppy.

Metaphor: A metaphor compares two things by stating that one thing in another.

Metaphor Examples

• He is a lobster.
• Her heart was gold.
• Sadness is a black hole.

Alliteration: The repetition of the first consonant sounds in several words.

Example of Alliteration

• We wander through the wild woods in search of wonder.

Hyperbole: An outrageous exaggeration that emphasizes a point. Hyperbole can even be ridiculous or funny.

Examples of Hyperbole

• Our teacher gave us two years of homework tonight.
• Your car is so old, there are hieroglyphics.

Personification: Gives human characteristics to inanimate objects, animals, or ideas.

Example of Personification: Opportunity knocked on the door./ The wind waves goodbye.

Onomatopoeia: The use of words that sound like their meaning, or words that mimic sounds.

Examples: 1. The loud boom of the fireworks scared the dog.
2. The birds' tweets outside my window woke me up.

Idiom: A commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words.

Examples of Idioms: 1. Let's paint the town red! 2. Let's go back to the drawing board. 3. The ball is in your court.