Figurative language uses words or expressions with non-literal meanings to make a point or describe something. There are many types of figurative language including similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, symbolism, onomatopoeia, alliteration, idioms, and analogies. Examples of each type are provided to illustrate how figurative language works differently than literal language.

3. Figurative Language
» Figurative language is language that uses words or
expressions with a meaning that is different from the
literal interpretation. When a writer uses literal
language, he or she is simply stating the facts as they
are. Figurative language, in comparison, uses
exaggerations or alterations to make a particular
linguistic point. Figurative language is very common in
poetry, but is also used in prose and nonfiction writing
as well.
» There are many different types of figurative language.
For example, it often includes the use of a specific
type of word or word meaning:

4. Simile
A simile is a comparison that often uses the words like
or as. One example of a simile would be to say, “Jamie
runs as fast as the wind.”

5. Metaphor
A metaphor is a comparison made between things
which are essentially not alike. It is similar to a simile,
but does not use like or as. One example of a metaphor
would be to say, “Nobody invites Edward to parties
because he is a wet blanket.”

6. Personification
When something that is not human is given human-like
qualities, this is known as personification. An example of
personification would be to say, “The leaves danced in
the wind on the cold October afternoon.”

7. Hyperbole
Exaggerating, often in a humorous way, to make a
particular point is known as hyperbole. One of example
of hyperbole would be to say, “My eyes widened at the
sight of the mile-high ice cream cones we were having
for dessert.”

8. Symbolism
Symbolism occurs when a noun which has meaning in
itself is used to represent something entirely different.
One example of symbolism would be to use an image of
the American flag to represent patriotism and a love for
one’s country.

9. Onomatopoeia
When you name an action by imitating the sound
associated with it, this is known as onomatopoeia. One
example of onomatopoeia would be to say, “The bees
buzz angrily when their hive is disturbed.”

10. Alliteration
It is the repetition of the same sounds or of the same
kinds of sounds at the beginning of words or in stressed
syllables of a phrase. Alliteration developed largely
through poetry, in which it more narrowly refers to the
repetition of a consonant in any syllables that, according
to the poems meter, are stressed.

11. Direction: Read the poem and identify the figurative
language used.

12. Idiom
……is a phrase where the words together have a meaning
that is different from the dictionary definitions of the
individual words
An idiom is an expression used by a particular group of
people with a meaning that is only known through
common use. One example of an idiom would be to say,
“I’m just waiting for him to kick the bucket.” Many idioms
that are frequently used are also considered clichés.

13. Smart Idioms
A hot potato
Speak of an issue (mostly current) which many people are talking about and
which is usually disputed
A penny for your thoughts
A way of asking what someone is thinking
Actions speak louder than words
People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.
Add insult to injury
To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable
situation.
An arm and a leg
Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.
At the drop of a hat
Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly.

16. Analogy
Understanding the meaning of an analogy is key to the
success of the analogy in communication. Some
analogies will be understood by most people that speak
the same language. Within small social groups of
people, there are often shared analogies that bind the
group together. Other analogies are only understood by
people living in a certain region or country.

19. Give examples of analogy

20. Direction: Choose the correct word to show analogy.
1. SNOW is to SKY as LAVA is to what?
CANYON
MAGMA
VOLCANO
OCEAN
2. BLANKET is to BED as PICTURE is to what?
HOUSE
WALL
CAMERA
FLOOR

21. 3. CHICKEN is to CHICKS as DOG is to what?
PUPPY
KID
PIGLET
DUCKLING
4. GIRL is to FEMININE as BOY is to what?
GENTLEMAN
MAN
MUSCULINE
VERDIGRIS

22. 5. SPANISH is to SPAIN as GERMAN is to what?
WALES
CLASSROOM
GERMANY
RUSSIA
6. PLANETS are to TELESCOPE as BACTERIA are to what?
ATMOSPHERE
MIRROR
MICROSCOPE
GERMS

23. 7. HONGKONG is to ASIA as ITALY is to what?
EUROPE
ASIA
AMERICA
AFRICA
8. TELEVISION is to WATCH as RADIO is to what?
SPEAK
LISTEN
WRITE
READ

24. 9. SHOVEL is to SOIL as HAMMER are to what?
NAIL
SHAVER
IRON
STEEL
10. TEACHER is to STUDENT as what is to DOCTOR?
CLIENT
COSTUMER
MINISTER
PATIENT