Common Figurative Language Techniques – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
            a figure of speech that implies a comparison between two relatively unlikely things.
answer
        Metaphor
question
            A "softer," less offensive word or phrase, used as a substitute for one considered too harsh or blunt, when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.
answer
        Euphemism
question
            A comparison between two unlike things, usually with the words "like" or "as."
answer
        Simile
question
            The repetition of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
answer
        Alliteration
question
            The giving of human qualities to an animal, object or abstract idea.
answer
        Personification
question
            The repetition of vowel sounds.
answer
        Assonance
question
            An exaggerated statement used to emphasize a point.
answer
        Hyperbole
question
            A play on words; sometimes on different meanings of the same word and sometimes on the similar sense or sound of different words.
answer
        Pun
question
            A figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole, or the whole for a part.
answer
        Synecdoche
question
            When incongruous or contradictory terms appear side by side.
answer
        Oxymoron
question
            The use of words which actually sound like the objects or actions to which they refer.
answer
        Onomatopoeia
question
            jumbo shrimp
answer
        Oxymoron
question
            I used to have a fear of hurdles, but I got over it.
answer
        Pun
question
            He drew a line as straight as an arrow.
answer
        Simile
question
            The doomed youth stood on the hill.
answer
        Assonance
question
            The children were roses grown in concrete gardens.
answer
        Metaphor
question
            His soul swooned slowly.
answer
        Alliteration
question
            The wind whispered his name.
answer
        Personification
question
            His father passed away two days before his graduation.
answer
        Euphemism
question
            I heard that song for the millionth time today.
answer
        Hyperbole
question
            The steady buzzing of the bees drove me just about crazy.
answer
        Onomatopoeia
question
            The ruling from The White House came a day too late.
answer
        Synecdoche
