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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.