Figurative Language

What is figurative language?

• A way of communicating that does not use words in their literal meaning

• A way of communicating that uses different languages

• A way of communicating that is difficult to understand

Why do writers use figurative language?

• To get their work published

• To make their writing more descriptive and interesting

• To challenge the reader

A comparison between two things using the words “like” or “as”

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

Comparing two things by saying one IS the other. Does NOT use “like” or “as”

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

An extreme exaggeration

• Idiom

• Personification

• Hyperbole

Giving an inanimate object human-like characteristics

• Idiom

• Personification

• Hyperbole

A common expression that means something else besides its literal phrasing

• Idiom

• Personification

• Alliteration

When two or more words begin with the same sound

• Alliteration

• Onomatopoeia

• Personification

Words that imitate the sound they describe

• Alliteration

• Onomatopoeia

• Personification

I'm as fast as the speed of light

This is an example of...

• Simile

• Personification

• Alliteration