Figurative Language

1. Figurative Language

2. Literal Language is when we really mean what we say. Example: I am so hungry I could eat a sandwich!

3. Figurative Language is when we don’t really mean what we say. Example: I am so hungry I could eat a horse!

4. There are five main kinds of Figurative Language: • Simile • Metaphor • Personification • Hyperbole • Idiom

5. A SIMILE is… when you compare two unlike things using “like” or “as.” Example: The sun was as hot as dragon’s breath. Example: Rosie’s smile is like sunshine on a cloudy day. Example: Jonathan is as slow as a turtle Remember, the two items must be unlike. Comparing Rita’s smile to sunshine is a simile. Comparing Rita’s smile to Lucy’s smile is not.

6. A METAPHOR is… when you compare two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” Example: The road was a ribbon of moonlight. Example: You are such a snail today! Hurry up! Example: My boss is a dragon, breathing fire at everyone

7. PERSONIFICATION is… when you give an inanimate object human characteristics Example: The wind whispered your name to me. Example: The sky wept buckets all day long. Example: The hail tap-danced on the roof.

8. HYPERBOLE is… When you exaggerate to make a point. Example: I will love you till the seas go dry. Example: She’s only said that a hundred times! Example: I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.

9. An IDIOM is… a figure of speech an expression that has little to do with the words’ actual meanings. Example: They sent me on a wild goose chase! Example: My teacher jumped down my throat when I said that. Example: Hold your horses!

10. Now, do you remember the five types of figurative language? SIMILE metaphor PERSONIFICATION HYPERBOLE IDIOM