Different Types of Figurative Language
There are many types of figurative languages. They vary in meaning, uses and phrases. Figurative language is basically a language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. The ones below are the types of figurative languages that will be presented on this web, definitions included:
- alliteration: The repetition of a sound or letter in a phrase or sentence (i.e. She sells sea shells by the sea shore).
- hyperbole: An extreme exaggeration (i.e. I waited here FOREVER for my test results!)
- idiom: A phrase, saying, or expression in which the meaning is not to be taken literally; a phrase that takes on a figurative meaning within a culture (i.e I have butterflies in my stomach means "I am very anxious/scared.")
- metaphor: a figure of speech making a direct comparison between two unlike things using "are/am" , "is" or "that" (i.e You are a star!).
- onomatopoeia: The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named (e.g., cuckoo,sizzle ) (i.e. BANG! CRASH! MOO! ZAP!) a sound in word form
- personification: Gives human qualities, feelings, actions, or characteristics to inanimate or non-living objects. (i.e. The ocean currents waved at me as I passed.)
- simile: A figure of speech making a comparison between two unlike things using "like" , "as" or "than" (i.e. Her hair is as long as the Nile River).