Figurative Language Terms

Mixed Metaphor

A combination of two or more metaphors the together form unlikely comprisions EX1: Never do tomorrow what you can do today.

Paradox

A statement that initially seems to contradict itself but, it fact, includes a fundamental truth. EX1: anything free costs twice as much in the long run or turns out worthless: nothing in life is free

Cliche

A word or phrase that is so overused that it is no longer effective in most writing situations EX1: To cry crocodile tears; ancient belief that they cry as they eat.

Idiom

An expression that cannot be understood if taken literally ex- Get your head out of the cloud EX2: He was saved by the bell

Personification

The attribution of human characteristics to inanimate objects. EX1: My computer smirked at me before it shut down. EX2: The keyboard cried out letters as the writer pounded its keys.

Extended Metaphor

The comparison between two things is continued beyond the first point of comparison. This extends and deepens a description. EX1: I graduated from the University of life.

Denotation

The literal, dictionary definition of a word EX1: walk: to go along or move about on foot. EX2: strut- to walk in vain.

Oxymoron

Two contradictory words in one expression EX1: small crowd EX2: Ill Health

Analogy

a comparison made between two things to show how they are alike.EX1: Careful: cautious EX2: Open: closed

Metaphor

a comparison without using like or as EX1:" Wake up and smell the coffee on the walls!" EX2 "life is a game boys!"

Hyperbole

a figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor EX1:The music was loud: The music was so loud the whole block was shaking. EX2: The dog was as big as a house.

Euphemism

a mild, indirect, or vague term substituting for a harsh, blunt, or offensive term EX1: Poop: waste, crap, dump EX2: Crazy: silly, psychotic .

Allusion

a reference in a literary work to a person, place, or thing in history or another work of literature EX1: Come. come Nerissa, for I long to see quick Cupid's post that comes so mannerly: Cupid is the allusion because it is directly stated

Imagery

description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) EX1: taking a test: i glanced around the room rood at all the concentrating faces you could smell the fresh ink and the sound of pinches moving

Connotation

the suggested, or implied, meaning of a word, not its strict literal meaning; and idea or feeling associated with a word EX1: Walk: movement using your legs at a steady passe. EX2: Strut; to walk like your better than everyone.

Irony

when reality is different from appearance; the implied meaning of a statement is the opposite of its literal or obvious meaning EX1: someone slams the door in your face and your response is how nice!"