Figurative Language

I created this document as well as examples to better understand and further learn about literary
devices used in descriptive writing.

Figurative Definition Example

Literary Device

Simile A simile is a figure of speech that makes a Our soldiers are as brave as lions.
comparison, showing similarities between
two different things. Unlike a metaphor, a
simile draws resemblance with the help of
the words “like” or “as.”

Metaphor Metaphor is a figure of speech that makes My brother was boiling mad.
an implicit, implied, or hidden comparison
between two things that are unrelated, but
which share some common
characteristics.

Personification Personification is a figure of speech in The wind whispered through dry

which a thing – an idea or an animal – is grass.
given human attributes.

Onamatopoeia Onomatopoeia is defined as a word which The buzzing bee flew away.
imitates the natural sounds of a thing. It
creates a sound effect that mimics the
thing described, making the description
more expressive and interesting.

Oxymorn Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which Open secret

two opposite ideas are joined to create an
effect.

Hyperbole Hyperbole, derived from a Greek word Your suitcase weighs a ton!
meaning “over-casting,” is a figure of
speech that involves an exaggeration of
ideas for the sake of emphasis.

Allusion Allusion is a brief and indirect reference to
a person, place, thing or idea of historical,
cultural, literary or political significance.
“Don’t act like a Romeo in front of
her.” – “Romeo” is a reference to
Shakespeare’s Romeo, a
passionate lover of Juliet, in
“Romeo and Juliet”.

Idiom The term idiom refers to a set expression If we play our cards right, we may
or a phrase comprising two or more words. be able to find out when those
whales are being released.

Imagery Imagery means to use figurative language It was dark and dim in the forest.
to represent objects, actions, and ideas in The words “dark” and “dim” are
such a way that it appeals to our physical visual im
senses.
 Symbolism Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify A red rose, or the color red,
ideas and qualities, by giving them stands for love or romance.
symbolic meanings that are different from
their literal sense.

Anaphora In writing or speech, the deliberate Every day, every night, in every
repetition of the first part of the sentence in way, I am getting better and
order to achieve an artistic effect is known better.
as Anaphora.

Irony Irony is a figure of speech in which words The name of Britain’s biggest dog
are used in such a way that their intended was “Tiny.”
meaning is different from the actual
meaning of the words.

Synechdoche Synecdoche is a literary device in which a The term “coke” is a common

part of something represents the whole, or synecdoche for all carbonated
it may use a whole to represent a part. drinks.

Metonymy Metonymy is a figure of speech that England decides to keep check on

replaces the name of a thing with the immigration. (England refers to the
name of something else with which it is government.)
closely associated.