Figurative Language Chart

Figurative Language

Literary Term	Definition	Example
Alliteration	Two or more repetitions of a sound or of the first consonant in the words	There once was a walrus named Wally who waddled and wiggled away
Epithet	An adjective used to characterize a person or thing; Often comes before, after, or in place of an actual name	Using “man's best friend” instead of the word “dog
Hyperbole	When an exaggeration is deliberately used for emphasis	The whole world was staring at me.
Idiom	Sayings that have hidden meanings. The expressions don't mean exactly what the words say	Mrs. Hicinbothem’s class is going bananas!
Imagery	Descriptive language that gives the reader a sensory experience; You can perfectly picture what is being written about.	The cupcake enters my watering mouth and one second later all that is left is a crumb filled, crumpled up, white wrapper.
Metaphor	A comparison made between two unlike things. (Does not use like or as!) [A is B]	The computer in the classroom was an old dinosaur.
Onomatopoeia	The representation of a sound by an imitation.	Bang! Boom! Drip, drip, drip
Personification	Inanimate (non-living) objects or ideas are given human-like qualities	“The wind stood up and gave a shout. He whistled on his fingers and kicked the withered leaves about And thumped the branches with his hand” (James Stephens, The Wind)
Satire	The use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, etc. to make fun of someone, something, or an idea.	“Several classes of NFL drugs were recently suspended and fined after trace amounts of athletes were found in their systems”. (http:www.mikeszine.com)
Simile	An object is compared to another object using like or as. [A is like B]	“My love is like a red, red rose That's newly sprung in June: My love is like the melody That's sweetly played in tune.” (Robert Burn, A Red Red Rose)
Symbol	When one thing represents something else; Often a material object represents something abstract (not a physical thing).	A dove = peace