Figurative Language Notes What is figurative language? ● Figurative language is when you use a word or phrase that does not have its normal everyday, literal meaning. Writers can use figurative language to make their work more interesting or more dramatic than literal language which simply states facts. ● When you describe one thing by making a comparison to another thing. Why would you use it? ● To make descriptions more vivid and original ● To create a picture in the reader’s mind. Different ways to use figurative language: ● Similes- comparing two unlike things with the words “like or “as” ○ Example: I’m as cold as ice. ● Metaphors- comparing two things by saying one thing actually is or was another thing. ○ Example: This room is an oven. ● Alliteration- Repetition of the same beginning sound. ○ Example: Seven snakes slid ● Onomatopoeia- a sound word; the word’s sound suggests its meaning. ○ Example: “beep,” ring,” “bang;” “The fly buzzed around the room.” ● Personification- giving human qualities to objects or things ○ Example: The sea swallowed the ship. ● Hyperbole: an exaggeration ○ Example: I have a million things to do.
