LITERARY DEVICE DEFINITIONS

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Metaphor

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A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things by stating that one thing is another (may use the key words 'am, is, are, was, were').

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Personification

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A literary device that takes non-human things and describes them as having human attributes and qualities.

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Onomatopoeia

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A word which imitates the natural sounds of something (sound words).

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Pun

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A play on words that has a humorous effect by using a word that suggests two or more meanings, or by using similar sounding words that have different meanings.

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Alliteration

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The repetition of beginning consonant sounds in neighboring words.

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Simile

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A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things using the words 'like' or 'as'.

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Imagery

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Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates a picture in the reader's mind.

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Hyperbole

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An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect.

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Irony

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A literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning.

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Allusion

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A reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art.