Figurative Language

Figurative Language The Reading Detective C. Block; C. Beckwith; M. Hockett; D. White

Figurative language uses words to mean something other than their dictionary meaning. Literal language describes how something actually looks, feels or sounds. Figurative vs. Literal

You try…. • Martin looked strong. • The muscles in Martin’s arms looked like bowling balls. • Areli is a bird riding gently on the breeze. • Areli is flying through the air on her hang glider.

Simile A simile uses the word “like” or “as” to compare two things.

Metaphor A metaphor makes a comparison by suggesting that one thing is the other.

Which one is a simile? Why? • His lined face was a map of his life. • She floated in the air like a feather.

Let’s try another one…. New green leaves appear on the trees. The leaves slowly unfold like the tiny fingers on a newborn baby’s hands. Pink and white blossoms open like popcorn popping on the branches. Each tree is a lovely lady dressed in her finest gown. Spring is here!

Idiom An accepted phrase or expression contrary to the usual meaning…not literal

You try…. My father blew his stack last night.

Try this one…. Mom was fit to be tied when she heard I was going to be late for dinner. I tried to explain, but she wouldn’t listen.

Personification When an object or abstract idea is presented in human terms.

You try… I watch the daffodils poke their sleepy heads through the soil. In a matter of days, bright yellow daffodils are nodding cheerfully in the in the garden. Clusters of purple hyacinth stand at attention between them.

Analogy Comparing two things that are normally quite different in order to make you see them in a new way.

You try… She said he had a rock for a heart, cold and hard. She said it would take a strong chisel to open it up and see what was inside.

Figurative Language