Figurative Language

Figurative language is the use of descriptive words and

phrases to convey information without directly saying it.

Figurative
De inition Example
Language

a comparison of two unlike things using The leaves crunched like

simile
like or as potato chips.

a comparison of two unlike things without

metaphor My dog is a ball of energy.
using like or as

an obvious exaggeration that is not meant I’ve told you this a million
hyperbole
to be understood literally times already!

The willow tree’s branches

personi ication giving human qualities to nonhuman things
dance in the wind.

words that imitate the sounds that they The burger patties sizzled
onomatopoeia
describe on the grill.

The busy bee bounced

alliteration the repetition of the same initial sound
from bush to bush.

a group of words that has a di erent I practice the piano once in

idiom
meaning from its literal meaning a blue moon.

a memorable saying that is usually It’s better to be safe than

adage
considered true sorry.

Actions speak louder than

proverb a saying that contains advice or a truth
words.

a word or phrase that hints at something or Chocolate chip ice cream

allusion
someone well known is my Achilles’ heel.

a play on words that uses multiple I wish I could be a doctor,

pun meanings of a word or uses words that but I don’t have the
sound alike but have di erent meanings patients.

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