Definition
Metaphor
a figure of speech in which one thing is compared to another (without "like" or "as")
Mixed metaphor
A combination of two or more metaphors that don't work together--this should be avoided
I don't care where we move as long as we can be alone together.
Oxymoron - "alone together"
Simile
must use "like" or "as"
Simile about someone in this class
Simile
a figure of speech in which one thing is compared to another (with "like" or "as")
Figurative language
Language that has a deeper, nonliteral meaning
Her eyes were as deep as swimming pools; I felt as if I could bathe in them for hours.
Simile - eyes compared to swimming pools with "as" / Hyperbole - exaggeration "for hours"
Metaphor
Simile about yourself
Personification
A type of metaphor in which an object or thing is given human qualities
Literal language
Language that means exactly what it says--not figurative
As I opened the door, it groaned as if it were trying to tell me the secrets it had gathered within its walls.
Personification -- the door "groaned" / "gathered" secrets
Personification
Metaphor about love
Hyperbole
A purposeful overstatement or exaggeration used to make a point or to be funny
Cliche
Figurative language that has been used so many times it has lost all or nearly all of its original power
You are my sunshine.
Metaphor / Cliche
Hyperbole
Personification of something that is not nature
Oxymoron
A combination of usually contradictory, or opposite, words
Formulaic plot
A cliched plot or story
I tried to explain the idea to them but they were clearly confused.
Oxymoron - "clearly confused"
Oxymoron
Hyperbole about something you dislike