Summary Figurative Language – Definitions and Examples in English and Spanish | Student Guide to Literary Devices and Word Play

Figurative Language
Simile - (símil) comparing two unlike things using words such as "like" or "as"
Example: They fought like cats and dogs!

Personification - ..., A figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings,
thoughts, or attitudes

Metaphor - comparing two unlike things NOT using words such as "like" or "as"
Example: How could she marry that snake?
figure of speech comparing two different things

Onomatopoeia - ...imitates a sound

Imagery - (Imagenes sensoriales) Descriptive language that create a picture in your mind

Hyperbole - ( hipérbole) exaggeration

Alliteration - words that have the same beginning sounds together

Pun - A play on words using the double meaning for fun

Idiom - an expression that says one thing but means something else

Figurative Language - (Lenguaje figurado) word play

assonance - repeating vowel sounds

Simile - Comparing two unlike things using words such as "like" or "as"
Example: The sisters fought like cats and dogs!

Metaphor - Comparing two unlike things NOT using the words "like" or "as."
Example: How could she marry a snake like that?

Personification - Giving an object or animal human feelings, thoughts, attitudes or actions.

Hyperbole - Extreme exaggeration for effect.