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Figurative Language

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Figurative language utilizes figures of speech to convey meaning to words other than their literal interpretation. This is accomplished by comparing one thing to something else. The practice is commonly used in both poetry and prose to increase impact or to add interest and clarity to a description.

A metaphor is used to call one thing something else, forcing the listener or reader to identify the similarities between the two. For example, "Julie's house is a pigsty. From reading that sentence, it is clear that Julie's house is messy, untidy or dirty. Life is a bowl of cherries The basic formula for a simile is "A is B."

A simile is a figure of speech which compares one thing to another using the phrase "like" or "as." "hard as a rock" (the object is very hard), "gentle as a lamb" (very gentle) "sleep like a log" (the person slept very soundly). As smooth as silk, as fast as the wind. Quick like a lightning bolt. Life is like a bowl of cherries The basic formula for a simile is "A is LIKE B."

An oxymoron is a figure of speech which intentionally creates a paradoxical phrase by using ideas which contradict each other to create a new meaning or concept. examples include phrases such as "bitter sweet," "agree to disagree," "boneless ribs," "deafening silence" or "conspicuous absence." Each phrase contradicts itself; however, it also creates a very clear image.

Hyperbole is a type of figurative speech which utilizes exaggeration and overstatements to emphasize the truth or create a strong response in the reader. It is often used in the media and for humor. Some common examples include phrases such as "tons of money" (a lot of money), "I've said it a million times" (I've said it many times) "Scott was so hungry he could eat a horse" (Scott was very hungry). In order to get my assignment done, I'll have to burn the midnight oil. The exaggeration should not be taken literally; instead, it creates a clear feeling or image.

Personification is a kind of metaphor which attributes human qualities (such as emotion) to an object, idea or animal. The cherries smiled up from the bowl. The sun smiled down on me. The leaves danced in the wind.
Irony is a figure of speech characterized by a statement meaning the opposite of its literal definition. Sarcasm is an example of irony.

Alliteration is the use of a repeated sound or letter in words in close proximity, such as, "Limpid light illuminated the lustrous library." Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds, such as "The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain, Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity, as in the first example. Onomatopoeia is used often in comic books, and refers to the sound something makes, such as in words like "hum," "buzz" and "oink."

Synecdoche is the representation of a group or a whole by referring to its parts such as "I just got a new set of wheels" to refer to an entire vehicle. Metonymy is refers to something by singling out an attribute from a whole concept, like "I work with a bunch of suits" to refer to business people. Euphemism is a form of politeness, as it makes reference to something that is socially sensitive or pejorative by substituting another word, such as "to pass away" instead of "to die."

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