Figuring Out Figurative Language Idiom, Metaphor, Simile and Hyperbole

What is figurative language? Figurative language involves phrases that depart from everyday literal language to compare, emphasize, or clarify. Figurative language involves phrases that depart from everyday literal language to compare, emphasize, or clarify.

When is figurative language used? Figurative language is used to enhance fiction, and can be a great way of getting an image or point across. Figurative language is used to enhance fiction, and can be a great way of getting an image or point across. Figurative language is also seen in poetry, song lyrics, and everyday speech. Figurative language is also seen in poetry, song lyrics, and everyday speech.

Let’s look at four types of figurative language. Four types of figurative language are: Four types of figurative language are:  Idiom  Metaphor  Simile  Hyperbole

Idiom Defined: a term or phrase that has a figurative meaning in conversation, but it would not have a literal meaning. It is like a figure of speech. Defined: a term or phrase that has a figurative meaning in conversation, but it would not have a literal meaning. It is like a figure of speech. Example: Put on your Example: Put on your thinking cap. thinking cap.

Metaphor Defined: a comparison of two unlike things (not using like or as). Defined: a comparison of two unlike things (not using like or as). Example: “Life is just a bowl of cherries.” Example: “Life is just a bowl of cherries.” Life is wonderful; sometimes has an ironic connotation.

Simile Defined: a comparison of two things using like or as. Defined: a comparison of two things using like or as. Example: “The snow was as thick as a blanket.” Example: “The snow was as thick as a blanket.”

Hyperbole Defined: A gross exaggeration. Defined: A gross exaggeration. Example: “That building can touch the clouds.” Example: “That building can touch the clouds.”

Let’s practice what you’ve learned! “As busy as a bee.” “As busy as a bee.” “It’s a dog’s life having it made in the shade.” “It’s a dog’s life having it made in the shade.” “She has a bee in her bonnet.” “She has a bee in her bonnet.” “He has a brain the size of a pea.” “He has a brain the size of a pea.” Which is an example of idiom? Metaphor? Simile? Hyperbole?

It’s your turn! What are some common phrases you use or have read that are examples of figurative language? What are some common phrases you use or have read that are examples of figurative language?

You are authors too! For the next ten minutes you will work in pairs to write examples of the four types of figurative language! For the next ten minutes you will work in pairs to write examples of the four types of figurative language!

Word origins Idiom – From the Latin word idioma, Idiom – From the Latin word idioma, “To make one’s own”. Metaphor – From the Latin word metaphora, “a transfer”. Metaphor – From the Latin word metaphora, “a transfer”. Simile – From the Latin word simile, “image, likeness, similarity”. Simile – From the Latin word simile, “image, likeness, similarity”. Hyperbole – From the Greek word hyperbole, “excess, exaggeration.” From hyperbballein, Hyper = beyond + ballein = to throw, as in, “To throw beyond.” Hyperbole – From the Greek word hyperbole, “excess, exaggeration.” From hyperbballein, Hyper = beyond + ballein = to throw, as in, “To throw beyond.”