Figurative Language

Figurative language is a word or phrase that does not have its normal every day, literal meaning. It is used by the writer for the sake of comparison or dramatic effect

1. SIMILE. This is used to compare two different ideas or objects, making them the same by using as or like.

Example: Karen runs as fast as the wind.

2. METAPHOR. It is an indirect comparison of dissimilar things or actions without using as or like.

Example: His mind is a calculator.

3. PERSONIFICATION. In this figure of speech, inanimate objects or abstract ideas are endowed with human qualities.

Example: The fire swallowed the entire forest.

4. HYPERBOLE. This overstates an idea to suggest emphasis. In other words, it is an exaggeration.

Example: Ill give her a truckload of roses on her birthday.

5. SYNECDOCHE. This states a part to represent a whole.

Example: The hardworking man has ten mouths to feed.

6. METONYMY. This uses a concrete expression to represent something that is associated with.

Example: Malacaang plans new programs for 2014.

7. APOSTROPHE. This uses a direct address to a non-existent or dead person, an inanimate object or an idea or quality.

Example: Oh! Dr. Rizal, come and help our current government leaders to put in place the problems of the country today.

8. ALLUSION. It refers to a place, historical event, literary works, myth, mythological character, religious book, a work of art.

Example: He is the prodigal son.

9. ANTITHESIS. It is the use of words or phrases that contrast with each other to create a balanced effect.

Example: My love springs from my only hate.

10. IRONY. It is to say one thing but to mean something else, to make something understood by expressing its opposite.

Example: I am so proud you are my friend. I just wish people dont know about it.

11. OXYMORON. It is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words consisting of adjective-noun pair.

Example: She could hardly bear the sweet sadness of bidding farewell.

12. PARADOX. It presents contradictory ideas; ironic situations can be described through a paradox.

Example: There is grief in happiness.

13. ONOMATOPEIA. This uses sound words made by animals, human or nature.

Example: The cat meows in the dark.

14. ALLITERATION. This uses repetition of a succession of initial consonant sounds.

Example: She shouted and shooed the sheep to the shelter.

15. ASSONANCE. This uses repeating vowel sounds to produce a rhyming effect.

Example: I feel depressed and restless.