English Terms

Personification

Personification

when an author gives human characteristics to a nonhuman thing

Simile

comparison using like or as

Metaphor

comparing two different things without using like or as

Alliteration

occurrence of the same letter or sound in a sentence ex: the child bounced the ball at the backyard barbecue

Symbolism

when objects, characters, actions, or other recurring elements in a story take on another, more profound meaning ex: a raven is a symbol of death

Synecdoche

a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole ex: check out my new wheels (wheels=the whole car)

Assonance

the repetition of the sound of a vowel ex: awhile, crocodile

Idiom

conveys a figurative meaning different from the words used ex: pulling your leg

Sensory Imagery

describes what you can physically feel in descriptive words ex: a gust of wind blew over her

Allegory

narratives that represent something else entirely, like a historical event or significant ideology ex: the chronicles of Narnia books are actually a re-telling of bible stories

Epiphany

refers generally to a visionary moment when a character has a sudden insight or realization that changes their understanding of themselves ex: in a rom com when the girl realizes she’s been in love with the guy the whole time

Foreshadowing

a warning or indication for events in the future ex: if you see a sharp object in a movie, someone is about to die on it

Hyperbole

exaggerated statement or claims not to be taken literally ex: i could eat a whole horse

Mood

the atmosphere of the narrative the setting and attitude ex: the setting is very depressing

Onomatopoeia

a word that is spelt out how it sounds ex: bang, clang, hiss

Oxymoron

opposite words placed beside each other ex: same difference, awfully good

Puns

a play on words in which a humorous effect is produced by using a word that suggests two or more meanings ex: I dropped an electron somewhere! -Are you sure! -Yes, I’m positive!

Tone

the writer's attitude or feelings about the subject matter and audience ex: your mood can be super anxious but your tone is very calm

Irony

whenever a person says something or does something that is different from what they actually say or do ex: when it’s a rainy day and someone says ‘what beautiful weather we’re having’

Climax

the point at which the highest level of interest and emotional response is achieved, the moment right before the happy ending