Figurative Language Definitions

Alliteration

The repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of words in a phrase or sentence

Ex- She sells seashells by the seashore

Allusion

A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literacy, or political significance

Ex- Dont act like a Romeo in front of her

Analogy

A comparison between different things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification

Ex- Life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get

Antagonist

The character or force that opposes the protagonist; the “villain”

Ex- Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series.

Apostrophe

A figure of speech in which the speaker addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing.

Ex- Oh, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!

Assonance

The repetition of a vowel sound in non-rhyming words.

Ex- The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain

Connotation

The emotional or cultural association a word carries, beyond its literal definition

Ex- The word “home” has a connotation of warmth, comfort, and family, whereas “house” is more neutral.

Denotation

The literal or dictionary definition of a word.

Ex- The denotation of “snake” is a limbless reptile.

Dialect

The language used by the people of a specific area, class, or group, often includes unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Ex- Y’all come on over here now, ya hear?”

Diction

A writer’s choice of words, which contributes to the tone and style of a literary work.

Ex- A writer using formal diction might write, “The man approached the edifice, “ while using informal diction might write, “The guy walked up to the building.”

Extended Metaphor

A metaphor that is developed over several lines or throughout an entire literary work. Unlike a regular metaphor, it continues the comparison in multiple ways.

Ex- In Shakespeare’s “All the world’s a stage,” the metaphor is extended by comparing life to a play and different stages of life to “acts.”

Foil

A character who contrasts with another character (usually the protagonist) to highlight particular qualities of the other character.

Ex- Dr Watson in the Sherlock Holmes Stories serves as a foil to Holmes, highlighting Holme’s extraordinary intelligence.

Foreshadowing

A literary device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story.

Ex- A sudden, dark storm appearing at the beginning of a story often foreshadows a tragic event.

Hyperbole

A literary device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story

Ex- “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse”.

Imagery

The descriptive or figurative language that appeals to the five senses— sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—to create a vivid experience for the reader. By using imagery, authors enhance their writing, helping readers to visualize, feel, and understand the text on a deeper, more emotional level. There are several types of imagery, including: visual (sight), auditory (sound), gustatory (taste), olfactory (smell), and tactile (touch).

Indirect Characterization

The process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed through the character’s speech, actions, appearance, and what others say about them.

Irony

A contrast or incongruity between expectations and reality.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows something the characters do not.

Situational Irony

When the opposite of what is expected to happen, happens.

Verbal Irony

When what is said is the opposite of what is meant (often sarcasm)

Juxtaposition

The placement of two or more things side by side, often to compare or contrast them.

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unlike things with using “like” or “as.”

Motif

A recurring element, idea, or image in a work of literature.

Paradox

A statement that appears self-contradictory but contains a deeper truth.

Personification

Giving human qualities or actions in inanimate objects or animals.

Protagonist

The main character in a story.

Pun

A play on words that have similar sounds but different meanings.

Repetition

The repeating of a word, phrase, or sentence for emphasis or to create a rhythm.

Satire

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices.

Symbolism

The use of objects or ideas to represent something else.

Syntax

The way words are arranged to form sentences and phrases.

Theme

The central, underlying message or idea of literary work.

Tone

The author’s attitude toward the subject, characters, or audience, as conveyed though their word choice and style.