Figurative vs.

Literal Language
• Literal- Words function exactly as they are
defined.
Ex.) The car is blue.
Ex.) He caught the football.

• Figurative- An exaggeration or alteration of

the literal meaning of the words.
Ex.) You’re a doll.
Ex.) I’ve got your back.
 “It’s raining cats and dogs!”
Literal Meaning: Figurative Meaning:
 “Her phone is blowing up!”
Literal Meaning: Figurative Meaning:
SIMILE- A figure of speech comparing two
unlike things & often uses “like” or “as”
• The sisters fought like cats and
dogs.
• The soldier was as brave as a
lion.
• The farmer is as strong as an ox.
• The girl’s cheeks were red like
roses.
• The little boy was as quiet as a
mouse.
SIMILE
SIMILE

SIMILE

SIMILE

SIMILE
Metaphor- a figure of speech that is used to make a comparison
between two things that aren't alike but do have something in
common. The subject of a metaphor is said to BE another.

• The coach was a

volcano of rage.
• The boy was putty in
her hands.
• That ballerina is a
shining star.
• The snow is a white
blanket.
• Her eyes were daggers. FIG LIT
 Dreams – Langston Hughes
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
METAPHOR Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go
Life is a barren field METAPHOR

Frozen with snow.

Personification- Figure of speech in which a
thing, idea, or animal is given human like
qualities.
• Lightning danced across the
sky.
• The car complained as the key
turned in the ignition.
• The last piece of cake was
calling her name.
• The alarm clock yelled at me to
get out of bed.
• The stairs groaned as we
walked on them.
Oreo – “Milk’s favorite Goldfish – “The snack that
cookie” smiles back”
Hyperbole- Exaggerated figurative language.

• I’m so hungry I could eat a

horse.
• The girl died of embarrassment.
• I walked a million miles to get
here!
• He’s as skinny as a toothpick.
• She’s as tall as a beanpole.
• This bag weighs a ton!
Summertime – Sharon Hendricks
My tongue is a piece of sandpaper
I’m dissolving into a puddle.
I want to dive into a snowdrift
Though I’m sure that would befuddle.
Open me up, my organs are cooked
I think I’m now well done.
You can fry an egg upon my brow
As I melt away in the sun!