Figurative Language Eng 101

simile

comparison using the words like or as

metaphor

word/phrase is applied to an object/action it is not applicable to

extended metaphor

metaphor that is used throughout the entire text

implied metaphor

metaphor that is more of a reference you could miss if you do not get it

mixed metaphor

combining multiple metaphors so none are complete and the idea sounds ridiculous

allusion

an indirect reference to something (historical, religious, mythological, literary, cultural) - often an implied metaphor

metonymy

reference to a concept by referring to it by one of its attributes or something closely related to it

synecdoche

refer to something either by using one of its parts or the whole

idiom

turn of phrase that is unique to a language, culture, or region

hyperbole

intentional exaggeration or melodramatic

litotes

an understatement by using double negatives to express a positive statement, emphasizing something by denying its opposite

pun

a play on words when the worn has multiple meanings

onomatopoeia

call something by the sound that it makes

chiasmus

phrases are presented in parallel structure, but with the elements reversed in the second phrase, creating an X or mirrored effect

imagery

visually descriptive language in literature

foreshadowing

a warning or an indication of a future

symbolism

the use of characters, objects, places, etc. to represent ideas or qualities

antithesis

two contrasting ideas are intentionally juxtaposed, often in a parallel structure, to create a striking effect

juxtaposition

two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect

personification

human characteristics applied to nonhuman things

euphemism

a word/phrase used to discuss an uncomfortable topic without actually stating it

apostrophe

addressing someone who is not there like nature, dead, inanimate objects, or an abstract idea

paradox

a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true

oxymoron

contradictory phrase or statement

repetition

a word or phrase repeated throughout a text (alliteration, assonance, consonance, anaphora, palilogia)

alliteration

repeated same letter at the start

assonance

repeated vowel sounds

consonance

repeated consonant sounds

anaphora

repeated word or phrase at the beginning of a sentence/line

palilogia

repeated word or phrase multiple times in immediate succession

irony

words that tend to signify the opposite for humor

dramatic

audience know something the character do not

verbal

dialogue is sarcastic

situational

event happens that we would least expect

cosmic

believing divine intervention enacted poetic justice

allegory

literary device where characters, settings, & events represent abstract ideas or moral qualities to convey a deeper meaning

historical

an allusion referencing historical people or events.

religious

an allusion referencing something religions like a text or figure.

mythological

an allusion referencing a mythological figure or story.

literary

an allusion referencing a form of literature like poem, short story, novel, or play

cultural

an allusion referencing pop culture