Figurative Language - Definitions of Common Types

What is "Simile"?

• An extreme exaggeration.

• A comparison that uses the words "like" or "as".

• A comparison that does not use the words "like" or "as", but calls something another thing to make the comparison.

• A sound that is represented by a word.

Answer explanation

Simile uses "like" or "as". Example: John is like Iron Man in gym class. Sally is as fast as a Ferrari.

What is "Metaphor"?

• An extreme exaggeration.

• A comparison that uses the words "like" or "as".

• A comparison that does not use the words "like" or "as", but calls something another thing to make the comparison.

• A sound that is represented by a word.

Answer explanation

Metaphor does NOT use "like" or "as" but instead, calls one thing another to compare the two. Example: "Holley is a ray of sunshine". Holley isn't REALLY a ray of sunshine, but it shows that she is lovely, bright, or lustrous, LIKE a ray of sunshine is; it compares HER to the RAY OF SUNSHINE.

What is "Hyperbole"?

• An extreme exaggeration, used for effect.

• A comparison that uses the words "like" or "as".

• A comparison that does not use the words "like" or "as", but calls something another thing to make the comparison.

• A sound that is represented by a word.

Answer explanation

Hyperbole is an exaggeration (saying more than is true) for the reason that they want to show "how much".

Example: "I am SO HUNGRY, I could EAT a HORSE!" ... No, you couldn't...they're too big.

What is "Onomatopoeia"?

Pronounced - "on-o-mott-o-pee-uh"

• An extreme exaggeration, used for effect.

• A comparison that uses the words "like" or "as".

• A comparison that does not use the words "like" or "as", but calls something another thing to make the comparison.

• A sound that is represented by a word.

Answer explanation

Example: Bang! Boom! Zip! Fizz! Fart! Burp!

What is "Personification"?

Hint: Personification

• Comparing two things using "like" or "as".

• A widely used saying or expression that contains a figurative meaning.

• Giving human characteristics or traits to non-human things.

• Two opposite words, put together to form a new meaning.

Answer explanation

Example: The trees DANCED in the wind. Trees don't dance...humans do.

What is "Idiom"?

• Comparing two things using "like" or "as".

• A widely used saying or expression that contains a figurative meaning.

• Giving human characteristics or traits to non-human things.

• Two opposite words, put together to form a new meaning.

Answer explanation

Example: This quiz is a piece of cake.

What does "figurative" mean?

• Not meant to be taken literally, or saying something but meaning something different.

• A figure as in a body.

• A division of school in which you go to school.

• You obviously didn't read this if you chose this answer, because THIS IS THE WRONG ANSWER.

Answer explanation

Example: This quiz is a piece of cake.

What does "literal" mean?

• Not meant to be taken literally, or saying something but meaning something different.

• ACTUALLY what you mean. The actual, real meaning of what is said.

• A division of school in which you go to school.

• You obviously didn't read this if you chose this answer, because THIS IS THE WRONG ANSWER.

Answer explanation

Example: This quiz is a piece of cake.