Figurative Language

► Any language that goes beyond the literal (real) meaning of words. ► Simile ► Metaphor ► Personification ► Onomatopoeia ► Hyperbole

Simile ► A figure of speech which involves a direct comparison between two unlike things, using the words like or as. ► Examples:  The muscles on his huge arms are strong as iron bands.  The dog ran like the wind.

Metaphor ► A figure of speech which involves a comparison between two unlike things without using the words like or as. ► Examples:  The road was a ribbon of moonlight.  The boys are crazy beasts.

Personification ► A figure of speech which gives the qualities of a human to something that is not human. ► Examples:  The flowers danced in the wind.  The wind sang during the storm.

Simile or Metaphor? ► The pass receiver runs like the wind.  Simile (uses the word like) ► The quarterback is a giant in the history of the game.  metaphor (doesn’t use like or as) ► The tackler is as powerful as a freight train.  Simile (uses the word as)

ONOMATOPOEIA ► Words that imitate a sound.  BUZZ  Drip  Boom!

Hyperbole ► An exaggerated statement used to heighten effect. It is not used to mislead the reader, but to emphasize a point. ► Examples:  I’ve seen that movie a million times.  I nearly died laughing.