Figurative Language

What is figurative language?

Language that goes beyond the literal meaning, using words creatively to describe or compare.

What is hyperbole?

Extreme exaggeration for effect, not meant to be taken literally. Example: 'I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!'

What are idioms?

Expressions with meanings different from their literal words, often culturally specific. Example: 'It's raining cats and dogs.'

What is a metaphor?

A direct comparison between two unlike things, implying one thing is another. Example: 'Life is a rollercoaster.'

What is alliteration?

The repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words, creating a rhythmic quality. Example: 'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.'

What is personification?

Giving human qualities to nonhuman things, making writing more relatable. Example: 'The wind whispered through the trees.'

What is onomatopoeia?

Words that imitate sounds, adding sensory detail to writing. Examples: buzz, hiss, pop, splash.

What is an oxymoron?

Combining contradictory terms for effect, creating interest through apparent paradox. Examples: deafening silence, bittersweet.

What is a simile?

A comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as.' Example: 'Her voice was as smooth as silk.'

How does figurative language enhance writing?

It makes writing and speech more interesting and vivid.

Can you give an example of hyperbole?

An example is: 'I'm so tired I could sleep for a year.'

What is the function of idioms in language?

Idioms convey meanings that are not directly related to the individual words, often enriching the text.

How does a metaphor differ from a simile?

A metaphor makes a direct comparison without using 'like' or 'as,' while a simile does.

What effect does alliteration have in writing?

It creates a musical rhythm and can make phrases more memorable.

Why is personification used in literature?

To create relatable imagery and evoke emotions by attributing human characteristics to nonhuman elements.

What role does onomatopoeia play in storytelling?

It adds auditory imagery, making descriptions more vivid and engaging.

How can oxymorons be used effectively?

They can create a striking effect that provokes thought or humor through the juxtaposition of contradictory ideas.

What is an example of a simile to describe a person?

Example: 'His smile was as bright as the sun.'

How can juxtaposition be used in writing?

It can emphasize contrasts between characters, settings, or ideas to enhance the narrative.