PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, JEDDAH- English Section

Academic Year Subject Unit 2

2020-2021 Mid Term English Handout 6

Figurative Language

Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are
using figurative language. It is a form of language that uses images as a base.

Defining figurative language:

Figurative language is language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that
is different from the literal understanding. When a writer uses factual language,
he/she is simply stating the facts as they are. Figurative language, in comparison,
uses exaggerations or alterations to make a particular linguistic point. It is very
common in poetry, but is also used in prose and non-fiction writing.

The following are some of the different types of figurative language:

Personification:
A figure of speech in which human characteristics are assigned to an animal or an
object.
E.g.: The leaves danced in the wind on the cold October afternoon.
He did not realize that opportunity was knocking on his door.

Hyperbole:

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Exaggerating, often in a humorous way, to state a particular point is known as
hyperbole. It is exaggerated to such an extent that no one would believe the
statement to be true.
E.g.: I have told you a million times.
He is so hungry he could eat a horse.

Alliteration:
The repetition of the same initial letter, sound or a group of sounds in a series of
words is known as alliteration.
E.g.: Charlie met many cheerful children.
James was jumping joyfully.
Cricket had a crooked coin.

Alliteration also includes the use of tongue twisters.

E.g.: She sells seashells by the seashore.
The sixth sick Sheikh’s sixth sheep is sick.
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled pepper.

Onomatopoeia:
Onomatopoeia is the use of a word to describe or imitate a natural sound or the
sound made by an object or an action.
E.g.: snap, crackle, buzz, pop, ting, splash, crash etc.

Metaphor:
A metaphor is a comparison made between things which are basically not similar,
without using ‘like’ or ‘as’.
E.g.: You are what you eat.
Her smile is a ray of bright sunshine.

Simile:
A simile is like a metaphor but uses the words ‘like’ and ‘as’ to compare one object or
idea to another to suggest they are alike.
E.g.: Jamie runs as fast as the wind.
Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.

Imagery:
Imagery is a vivid descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the senses
(sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste). In a literary text, it occurs when an author
uses an object that is not really there, in order to create a comparison with the other,
usually evoking a more meaningful experience for the reader.
A famous poem that contains imagery is ‘Daffodils’ by William Wordsworth. As you
read through the poem, he paints a wonderful picture of daffodils such that you can
almost picture them in the breeze.
E.g.: At the next table, a woman stuck her nose in a novel and a college kid pecked at
his laptop.
(sight)

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 The one cylinder engines throbbed and fluttered, and the twin cylinder ones
purred and
purred, and that was quite a sound. (hearing)

As I held on to the steel bar, my hands started getting numb because of how
cold it had
become. (touch)

I smelt the warm, sweet, all pervasive smell of grass, as well as the sour, dirty
laundry
spilling over the basket in the hall. (smell)

The pizza I ate was steamy and delicious, layered with scrumptious toppings,
cheese
dripping from the crust. (taste)

Metaphors and Similes

What’s the difference?

Metaphors and similes both help the reader understand a subject by comparing it
to something else. However, they are still different…..
Metaphor Simile

A comparison between two A comparison between two things

Definition: things that
That are not alike and replaces are not alike and replaces the
the word with another word by
word with another word. using like and as.

Purpose: To paint a picture for the reader. To paint a picture and

give an example.

Quick The subject is said to be another. The subject is ‘as’ or ‘like’

memory tip: another.

The camel is the ship of the She cried like a baby.

Examples: desert. He was as busy as a bee.
Life is a dream. The caretaker was sly as a fox.
The news was a dagger to his
heart.

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Idiom:
An idiom is an expression used by a particular group of people with a meaning that is
only known through common use. It means something different from what the
words literally imply.
E.g.: My grandma always tells me to take the bull by the horns. (to meet difficulties
boldly)
The test was a piece of cake. (very easy)

Proverbs:
A proverb is a short, wise saying which has been in popular use for hundreds of
years.
E.g.: Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
He laughs best who laughs last.

Idioms and Proverbs

What’s the difference?

Idioms and proverbs both describe the situation in a figurative sense and not
literal. However, they are still different…..
Idiom Proverb

Description of a situation using Description of a situation using

Definition: a set of words understood sayings prevalent since decades or
by widespread use. centuries.

Purpose: To show the extent of or make it easier to understand something.

Quick Set of words used in sentences A phrase in itself, old but

memory tip: of your own. meaningful.

have a bone to pick with All’s well that ends well.

Examples: someone. Better late than never.
(have a dispute with someone) Great minds think alike.
let the cat out of the bag.
(disclose a secret)

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