Figurative Language

What is “Figurative Language”?

• Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language

• Any language that goes beyond the literal meaning of words in order to offer further insight

Examples of Figurative Language

• Similes

• Metaphors

• Personification

• Imagery

• Alliteration

• Onomatopoeia

• Hyperbole

Similes

• A figure of speech which involves a direct comparison between two unlike things, usually with the words like or as

Her hands were as cold as ice.

I’m going to sleep like a rock tonight.

You Already Use These!

• In daily conversation, you use the words “like” and “as” to offer further insight to your meaning.

– It’s so hot, it feels like we’re living on the sun!

Metaphors

• A figure of speech which involves an implied

comparison between two unlike things using

a form of be.

– Not “like” or “as”

Examples of Metaphors

• His face was made of stone.

• She stared daggers across the classroom at me.

Personification

A figure of speech which gives the qualities of a human to an animal,

an object, or an idea.

Personification in action

• After two centuries of life, the cedar bravely crashed to the forest floor amongst the lumberjacks.

• Fear knocked on the door. Faith answered. There was no one there.

Oreo’s: Milk’s favorite cookie

Pop Quiz Time!Please take out a sheet of paper

Simile, Metaphor, or Personification?

1. I can’t wait to drive my new car. The dealer said it drives like a dream.

2. The new car refused to start. Why did I pick the laziest car in the lot?

3. He’s good at boxing, they say he has sledgehammers for arms.

4. Harry Potter’s scar looked like a lightning bolt.

Simile, Metaphor, or Personification?

5. I don’t like to move the TV, that thing weighs a ton.

6. Classroom presentations can feel like an eternity.

7. The dog lazily lifted his head and looked thoughtful.

8. My cell phone doesn’t like to recharge very quickly.

Simile, Metaphor, or Personification?

9. The rolling hills were covered in snow, and it looked like we were walking amongst the clouds.

10. We had been stranded on the island for months before we built the raft. This raft was our ticket home.

Answers

1. Simile

2. Personification

3. Metaphor

4. Simile

5. Metaphor

6. Simile

7. Personification

8. Personification

9. Simile

10. Metaphor

Doing It Yourself

• At home, come up with 5 of your own similes.

– Example ideas:– How cold will it be this winter?– Graduate school is like…– Graduate school is…