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Figurative Language & Examples

The document defines and provides examples of several types of figurative language: similes, metaphors, personification, pathetic fallacy, oxymoron, onomatopoeia, alliteration, and assonance. Each uses descriptive techniques to convey meaning beyond a literal interpretation or to create specific atmospheres and effects for the reader. Examples are given for each type of figurative language to illustrate their usage.

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Yee Mon Aung
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
124 views

Figurative Language & Examples

The document defines and provides examples of several types of figurative language: similes, metaphors, personification, pathetic fallacy, oxymoron, onomatopoeia, alliteration, and assonance. Each uses descriptive techniques to convey meaning beyond a literal interpretation or to create specific atmospheres and effects for the reader. Examples are given for each type of figurative language to illustrate their usage.

Uploaded by

Yee Mon Aung
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Similes
A simile is a phrase or sentence which compares
an object or person with something else, to
make a description more relatable to the reader.
Key words to use are like and as.

Example:
The corridor was as dark as night.

Some well-known similes are:

as brave as a lion

as fast as lightning

as sharp as a pencil

like a raging bull

with the speed of a…

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Metaphors
A metaphor is a phrase or sentence in which the
author creates an image in the reader’s mind by
saying that a person or object is something else.
Key words to use are was and were.

Example:

The poisoned light dripped off everything it touched.

Some famous metaphors are:

‘All the world’s a stage, and all the men


and women merely players. They have their
exits and their entrances.’
William Shakespeare, ‘As You Like It’

‘The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the


purple moor[.]’
Alfred Noyes, ‘The Highwayman’

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Personification
Personification usually involves an author
describing a non-living object with verbs and
adjectives that make it seem as though it is alive.

Example:

Fresh rain tapped its fingertips on the roof.

Some well-known examples of


personification are:

The trees whispered in the wind.

The flames licked the sides of the walls.

Even the walls seemed like


they were listening.

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Pathetic Fallacy
Pathetic fallacy is everywhere, though you might
not notice it often! It happens when a writer
makes the weather or setting match the mood
of the story. Have you noticed how it is often
raining in movies during the saddest moments?

Example:
The inside of the cottage glowed with
warmth and bright colours.

Can you match this weather to the most


appropriate atmosphere?

sunshine mystery

mist anger

heavy rain happiness

thunderstorm sadness

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Oxymoron
Oxymoron is created by putting together two or
more words which don’t usually belong together
but create an interesting mental image for the
reader. They are often words with very different,
even opposite, meanings.

Example:
There was a deafening silence.

He was perfectly horrid.

The chocolate was awfully tasty.

A famous example of oxymoron is:

‘Parting is such sweet sorrow.’


William Shakespeare, ‘Romeo and Juliet’

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Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is a common form of figurative
language, in which an author creates a sound
for the reader by using a word which physically
makes the required sound when read.

Example:
The wolf threw him into a dank cell and
clanged the door shut.

rumble
crash thump
slap
cackl knock
e
smash
click tap
roar
chirp
drip
whisper
bang murm patter
ur

How many examples of onomatopoeia


can you think of?

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Alliteration
Alliteration is a well-known device in which
the author puts together two or more words
with the same first letter. The words do not have
to be right next to one another. This helps to
create a pleasant sound when the words are
read and adds to the atmosphere.

Example:
Marble pillars supported cool, shaded
balconies and clear, crystalline pools
filled stone basins.

These ‘C’ sounds are crisp and clean and


remind the reader of cold water.

A famous alliterative phrase is:


“I have a dream that my four little children will
one day live in a nation where they will not
be judged by the color of their skin but by the
content of their character.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

These ‘C’ sounds are hard and


strong and help the speaker to
sound determined and confident.

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Assonance
Assonance is a useful device in which the author
puts together words which have similar vowel
sounds. The words do not need to be right next
to one another. This helps to create a sound
when read that supports the atmosphere.

Example:
Marble pillars supported cool, shaded
balconies and clear, crystalline pools
filled stone basins.

These ‘oo’ sounds make the sentence


relaxing and calm.

Can you think of another ‘oo’ word that


could be added to the sentence?

beautiful smooth blue unusual room

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