Figurative language

Metaphor

A figure of speech that compares two unlike things by stating that one thing is the other, without using “like or “as”

e.g. The snow is a white blanket, life is a rollercoaster

Motif

A decorative image or design, especially a repeated one forming a pattern

Allusion

An expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference

e.g. “He’s a real Romeo”.

Juxtaposition

The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect e.g. “All’s fair in love and war”

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally

e.g. “I’ve told you a million times not to exaggerate!”

Synecdoche

A figure of speech in which a specific part of something is used to refer to the whole thing.

e.g. “All hands on deck!”

Pathetic fallacy

The attribution of human feelings and responses to inanimate things or animals, often to describe the environment.

e.g. “The raindrops wept around him”, “The angry storm raged”

Zoomorphism

The attribution of animal forms, characteristics or behaviours to non-animal entities (humans, deities or inanimate objects)

e.g. “Barking up the wrong tree”, “the roar of the ocean”

Euphemism

An expression or a polite word that is used to refer to things which people may find upsetting or embarrassing to talk about

e.g. “passed away” is a euphemism for died.