FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

Mrs. Garcia

7th Grade Reading

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

(n.) Language layered with

meaning by word images

and figures of speech, as

opposed to literal language.

SIMILE

A comparison of two unlike things using the words

“like” or “as”

The two things being compared must be

completely different (unlike). Not every sentence

that contains “like” or “as” is a simile!

Ex: As the girl was humiliated, her cheeks turned

red as an apple.

Non-Ex: The girl is as tall as her brothers. (The girl

and her brothers are not unlike things; they both

describe people).

METAPHOR

A comparison of two unlike things by saying that one thing is a

dissimilar object or thing.

Usually contains words such as “am,” “are,” “is,” “was,” “were”

Ex. Dad is a monster in the morning before he drinks coffee.

(Dad and monster are dissimilar and the comparison is explained)

Non-Ex: Dad is a boat. (Dad and a boat are dissimilar, but there

is no clear reason for the comparison).

HYPERBOLE

An exaggeration that cannot possibly be true

Tip: Often intended to be funny. If it could happen in

real life, then it is not a hyperbole!

Ex: Josie’s new friend is as skinny as a tooth pick.

(No person could be as skinny as a tooth pick).

NON Ex: Josie’s new friend is as skinny as a fashion

model (this could be true, so is not a hyperbole).

PERSONIFICATION

Giving human qualities to non-human things.

Tip: The human quality must be completely unique to humans

Can be an action ( The sun smiled) or an adjective (the angry

wind howled).

EX: The sun smiled at the world as it rose this morning.

(Smiling is unique to humans)

NON-EX: The flowers swayed in the breeze. (Flowers and

humans can sway).

IDIOM

A group of words whose collective meaning is quite different

from their individual, literal meaning.

Tip: When translated to another language, idioms do not make

sense; many have a historical explanation.

Ex. “When Bill joined the military, dad said he was swimming

with the sharks.” (There were no sharks; he meant Bill was in

danger).

NON-Ex: “When I fell overboard, I was swimming with the

sharks.”

ALLITERATION

The repetition of the same initial consonant sound

in a series of words.

Tip: Often used in brand names- “Dunkin Donuts,”

“Coca-Cola”

Ex: “Harry hit the house hard with a hammer.”

Non Ex: “Andy hit the nail hard with the hammer.”

ALLUSION

A reference to a person, place, or event from

literature, sports, history, movies, or the arts.

Tip: The reader must have prior knowledge of what

is being referenced to “get” the allusion.

Ex: Heather’s mysterious smile rivaled that of the

Mona Lisa.

Non- Ex: The Mona Lisa can be viewed in Paris.

ONOMATOPOEIA

Words whose sounds suggest their meaning.

Tip: Animal noises are often examples (Oink, Moo,

Quack, etc.)

Ex: The door slowly creaked open and then

slammed shut!

Non-Ex: “Hello!” I screamed into the empty house.