Figurative Language

Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language.

Simile

A simile uses the words “like” or “as” to compare one object or idea with another to suggest they are alike.

Example: busy as a bee

Metaphor

The metaphor states a fact or draws a verbal picture by the use of comparison. A simile would say you are like something; a metaphor is more positive - it says you are something.

Example: She has a stone heart.

Personification

A figure of speech in which human characteristics are given to an animal or an object.

Example: The sunlight danced.

Alliteration

The repetition of the same initial letter, sound, or group of sounds in a series of words. Alliteration includes tongue twisters.

Example: She sells seashells by the seashore.

Onomatopoeia

The use of a word to describe or imitate a natural sound or the sound made by an object or an action.

Example: Snap! Crackle! Pop!

Hyperbole

An exaggeration that is so dramatic that no one would believe the statement is true. Tall tales are hyperboles.

Example: He was so hungry, he ate that whole cornfield for lunch, stalks and all.

Understatement

An expression with less strength than expected.

Example: This won’t hurt a bit.

Pun

A joke that makes a play on words, using the wrong meaning of a word.

Example: A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat.