FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE Figurative Language Figurative language is language

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

Figurative Language ◦ Figurative language is language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. When a writer uses literal language, he or she is simply stating the facts as they are. Figurative language, in comparison, uses exaggerations or alterations to make a particular linguistic point.

Figurative Language ◦ Figurative language is very common in poetry, but is also used in prose and nonfiction writing as well. ◦ There are many different types of figurative language. For example, it often includes the use of a specific type of word or word meaning:

Metaphor ◦ A metaphor is a comparison made between things which are essentially not alike. ◦ Examples: ◦ “The snow is a white blanket. ” ◦ “The hospital was a refrigerator. ” ◦ “The classroom was a zoo. ”

Simile ◦ Simile: A simile is like a metaphor and often uses the words like or as. ◦ Examples: ◦ “Jamie runs as fast as the wind. ” ◦ “Your teeth are like pearls. ” ◦ “Her cheeks are red like a rose. ”

Personification ◦ When something that is not human is given humanlike qualities, this is known as personification. ◦ Examples: ◦ “The leaves danced in the wind on the cold October afternoon. ” ◦ “The fire swallowed the entire forest”.

Hyperbole ◦ Exaggerating, often in a humorous way, to make a particular point is known as hyperbole. ◦ Example: ◦ “My eyes widened at the sight of the mile-high ice cream cones we were having for dessert. ” ◦ “My grandmother is as old as the hills. ”

Symbolism ◦ Symbolism occurs when a noun which has meaning in itself is used to represent something entirely different. ◦ Example: ◦ Use an image of the American flag to represent patriotism and a love for one’s country. ◦ The dove is a symbol of peace.

Onomatopoeia ◦ When you name an action by imitating the sound associated with it, this is known as onomatopoeia. ◦ Example: ◦ “The bees buzz angrily when their hive is disturbed. ” ◦ “He looked at the roaring sky. ”

Idiom ◦ An idiom is an expression used by a particular group of people with a meaning that is only known through common use. ◦ Example: ◦ “Actions speak louder than words. ” ◦ “Barking up the wrong tree. ” ◦ Many idioms that are frequently used are also considered clichés.

Synecdoche ◦ A synecdoche is a figure of speech using a word or words that are a part to represent a whole. ◦ Examples: ◦ Referring to credit cards as "plastic". ◦ The term “coke” is a common synecdoche for all carbonated drinks.

Cliché ◦ A cliché is a phrase that is often repeated and has become kind of meaningless. ◦ Examples of a cliché is the expression: ◦ “Walk a mile in my shoes. ” ◦ “The quiet before the storm. ” ◦ “As brave as a lion” – a cliché to describe a very brave person

Assonance ◦ When you repeat a vowel sound in a phrase is it assonance. ◦ Examples: ◦ “True, I do like Sue. ’’ ◦ “ Men sell the wedding bells. ”

Metonymy ◦ A metonymy is a figure of speech where one thing is replaced with a word that is closely associated with it. ◦ Examples: ◦ using "Washington" to refer to the United States government. ◦ Crown - in place of a royal person. ◦ Dish - for an entire plate of food.