Figurative Language
Figurative language uses words in ways that mean
more than the dictionary meaning. Authors use
these devices to create a feeling or an image to
make an ordinary experience seem exciting and
fun. It makes reading more interesting!
Figurative Language
We use figurative
language every day.
When we want to
emphasis something,
we may exaggerate to
add emphasis. Since
we use these devices
every day, it should
be a piece of cake to
learn them
personification
• Authors use
personification to
make things that are
not human seem
human.
• Ex. The cat frowned.
The trees whispered
and sighed
The sun smiled brightly.
Which of the following is an
example of personification?
a. The sun was bright and hot.
b. The dog barked.
c. The birds flew.
d. The leaves danced in the wind.
Remember
the author uses personification
to make a nonhuman thing
seem human.
Which of the following is an
example of personification?
a. The cat hissed at Ronnie Reynolds.
b. The Earth shivered and sighed.
c. The candle flickered.
d. I watched the willow tree.
simile
• A simile is a
comparison of two
unlike things, often
using the words “like “
or “as”.
• Ex. She’s as pretty
as a rose.
• He eats like a pig.
Which of the following is a
simile?
a. The dancers were as graceful as swans.
b. The water was cold in the pool.
c. The house was a mess.
d. The mouse yawned.
Remember look for the words “like” or “as”
Which of the following is NOT a
simile?
a. The water was like glass.
b. The cookies were as hard as steel.
c. The floor was wet.
d. Her fingernails were as thin as
paper.
metaphor
A metaphor is
comparing one thing
to another without
using the words “like”
or “as”.
Ex. Eyes are windows
to the soul.
My fingers are icicles.
Which of the following sentences
is an example of a metaphor?
a. Mike was as strong as a horse.
b. The ladybug danced at my window.
c. My cat's a lion.
d. Katherine moves like a stiff robot.
Remember a metaphor is comparison turns
one thing into another but doesn’t use
“like” or “as”.
Which of the following is a
metaphor?
a. It’s as hot as an oven outside today.
b. She looks like an angel.
c. Tom’s a giant.
d. Kelley jumped as high as a deer.
Hyperbole - an exaggeration
Hyperbole is an
exaggeration or
presenting something
as larger or greater
that it actually is.
Ex. I died laughing.
Her feet were as big as
boats.
Which of the following is an
example of a hyperbole?
a. My mouth was on fire after I ate the hot
pepper.
b. My dad is a sturdy mountain.
c. Sandy looked white as a ghost.
d. Robert was as patient as a saint.
Remember an hyperbole is an exaggeration.
Which of the following is an
example of a hyperbole?
a. The mountains reached their heads to
the sky.
b. I waited an eternity for my dad to pick me
up.
c. Our toy boat sank like a stone in the
water.
d. The storm was a monster!!
REVIEW
Personification – giving human qualities
to something not human.( this makes
things that are inhuman seem human).
Simile – a comparison of two things using
“like” or “as”.
Metaphor– comparing one thing to another
without using the words “like” or “as”
Hyperbole- an exaggeration