Figurative Language
Literal language means exactly what it says, while figurative language uses similes, metaphors, and other methods to describe something, often through comparison with something different. Figurative language creates many effects, such as helping readers understand difficult concepts through a comparison or creating vivid images.
Literal Descriptions:
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Simile
Comparison using "like" or "as"
"A Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore-- And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?
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Metaphor
Compares two things WITHOUT using “like” and “as”
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Personification
Gives human qualities to non-human things
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Hyperbole
Exaggeration used to make a point
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Idiom
A phrase that means something to speakers of that language—you can’t take it literally, and you couldn’t figure it out by looking up the words in a dictionary.
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Analogy
Compares two sets of things with similar relationships
On Writing and Plumbing
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Oxymoron
Euphemism
Using an inoffensive expression instead of one that could offend someone
Dan Foreman: It means you're being fired, Louie. (In Good Company, 2004)
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Activities
quiz_1_(4).doc |
oxy_euph_analogies_and_idioms_(5).docx |