Figurative+Language


 * Figurative language** is descriptive language. Authors use this to make their writing more interesting to the reader. Imagery, similies, metaphors, and personification are just some of the techniques that are used.
 * Imagery** is when an author uses words or phrases to describe a place, person, or event in such a manner that the reader feels as if s/he is experiencing the place, person, or event first hand. The best details come from closely observing the world, then using specific words that can be felt by our five senses. Using imagery help a reader mentally live through what the characters in the book are actually experiencing.

A **simile** is a comparison between two unlike things that have something in common. A simile always uses the words like or as to make a comparison.

A **metaphor** is a figure of speech comparing two unlike things that have something in common. The comparison is made without the use of //like// or //as.//


 * Personification** is when an author gives an idea, object, or animal qualities or traits of a person.

**Alliteration** is the repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables. When writers want to emphasize certain words, they may use alliteration Repetition ** is when one or more words are repeated to show urgency or importance.


 * Onomatopoeia** is the imitation of natural sounds in word form. These words help us form mental pictures about the things, people, or places that are described.

**Hyperbole** is a figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect. It may be confused with a simile because it often compares two items. The difference is that with a hyperbole the comparison is an exaggeration.