FigurativeLanguage
Take Notes!
What is figurative language?
Words and phrases that communicate meanings beyond the literal meanings of words.
Onomatopoeia
A sound that
imitates the
word it
represents.
Example: The
man whispered.
SimileA comparison between two things or ideas that uses “like” or “as.”
Example: He was as round as a tire.
Metaphor
A comparison in which one thing becomes another
“Life is a roller coaster.”
Alliteration
Repetition of sounds at the beginning of words.
Personification
Giving human-like qualities to something that is not human
Example: The wind sang through the air.
Tone
Tone is the attitude a writer takes toward a subject or situation.
(Example: How your mother feels about her broken lamp)
(How the writer feels)
Mood
The mood is the feeling or atmosphere the writer creates for the reader.
(Example: How you react to your mother’s reaction)
(How you feel)
Flashback
When an
author refers
back to
something that
happened
earlier in the
story.
Foreshadowing
When an author “hints” at something to come.
Irony The expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, usually for humorous effect.
Situational Irony
When something happens that is very different than what was expected. Also called “irony of events.”
Dramatic Irony
When the audience knows something the characters don’t.
Verbal Irony
A person says or writes one thing and means another, or uses words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of the literal meaning.
Pun
The humorous use of a word or phrase so as to emphasize or suggest its different meanings or applications
Romeo (to Mercutio): I dream'd a dream to-night.Mercutio: And so did I.Romeo: Well what was yours?Mercutio: That dreamers often lie.
Hyperbole
Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
Oxymoron
Contradictory terms appear right next to each other
“It was his only choice.”
“Can you make me an
original copy?”
“I love eating jumbo shrimp!”
