Metaphors
What is a metaphor?
This literary device compares two unlike things without using "like" or "as."
What is a hyperbole?
This figure of speech involves exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
What is a simile?
This figure of speech compares two unlike things using "like" or "as."
What is personification?
This literary device attributes human characteristics or qualities to non-human entities or objects.
What is character description?
This literary element involves providing details about a character's appearance, personality, and actions.
Give an example of a metaphor
In this metaphor, "Time is a thief," time is compared to a thief, implying that it steals moments from our lives.
Give an example of a hyperbole.
In this hyperbole, "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse," the speaker exaggerates their hunger to imply they are very hungry.
Give an example of a simile.
In this simile, "As brave as a lion," bravery is compared to the courage typically associated with a lion.
Give an example of personification.
In this example of personification, "The flowers danced in the wind," the flowers are given the human-like ability to dance.
Give an example of a character description. (Full sentence)
In this character description, "She had long, flowing hair and a mischievous glint in her eyes," the physical appearance and personality traits of the character are depicted.
Identify the metaphor in the following sentence: "The world is a stage."
This metaphor compares the world to a stage, suggesting that life is like a play.
Identify the hyperbole in the following sentence: "I've told you a million times to clean your room!"
This hyperbole exaggerates the number of times the speaker has asked someone to clean their room.
Identify the simile in the following sentence: "Her smile was like sunshine on a cloudy day."
This simile compares the brightness and warmth of her smile to sunshine, using "like" to make the comparison.
Identify the personification in the following sentence: "The stars winked at me from the night sky."
This personification gives the stars the human-like action of winking, which is typically associated with communication or acknowledgment.
Identify the character description in the following sentence: "He walked with a confident stride, his head held high."
This character description portrays the character's demeanor and posture, suggesting confidence and self-assuredness.
Explain the metaphor in the phrase "He has a heart of stone."
In this metaphor, "heart of stone" suggests that the person is unfeeling or lacks empathy, comparing their heart to an inanimate object known for its hardness.
Explain the hyperbole in the phrase "I'm dying of embarrassment."
In this hyperbole, "dying of embarrassment" exaggerates the intensity of the speaker's embarrassment to imply extreme discomfort or shame.
Explain the simile in the phrase "As cold as ice."
In this simile, "cold" is compared to the extreme chill and hardness associated with ice, emphasizing the intensity of the coldness.
Explain the personification in the phrase "The wind whispered through the trees."
In this personification, the wind is given the human-like ability to whisper, suggesting a gentle, secretive communication as it moves through the trees.
Explain the character description in the phrase "Her laughter echoed through the room like bells."
In this character description, the character's laughter is described using a simile, comparing it to the sound of bells ringing, which implies a joyous and melodious quality.
What metaphorical meaning might be inferred from the phrase "She is a shining star"?
This metaphor suggests that "she" possesses qualities of brilliance, excellence, or importance, likening her to a celestial body that shines brightly in the night sky.
What hyperbolic meaning might be inferred from the phrase "It's raining cats and dogs"?
This hyperbole suggests that the rain is falling heavily, with the imagery of cats and dogs symbolizing a torrential downpour.
What simile might be inferred from the phrase "He runs as fast as a cheetah"?
This simile suggests that "he" runs with exceptional speed, likening his speed to that of the fastest land animal, the cheetah.
What personification might be inferred from the phrase "The old house groaned as if in pain"?
This personification suggests that the old house is given the human-like ability to groan, implying that it makes creaking or moaning sounds similar to those made by a person in pain.
What character description might be inferred from the phrase "His eyes, filled with sadness, spoke volumes"?
This character description suggests that the character's eyes convey deep emotion, particularly sadness, and are expressive enough to communicate a significant amount of information without words.