Figurative Language Term

Define the term.
Provide an example.
euphemism
(yoo-fe-mi-zm)

oxymoron
(awk-see-maw-ron)

alliteration
(uh-lit-uh-ray-shun)

allusion
(uh-loo-zhun)

idiom
(id-ee-uhm)

onomatopoeia (aa-nuh-maa-tuh-pee-uh)

personification
(pur-son-uh-fi-kay-shun)

hyperbole
(hy-pur-buh-lee)

understatement

1 answer

Sure! Here are the definitions and examples for each of the figurative language terms you requested:

Euphemism

Definition: A euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression used in place of one that may be considered harsh, blunt, or unpleasant. Example: "Passed away" is a euphemism for "died."

Oxymoron

Definition: An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction. Example: "Deafening silence."

Alliteration

Definition: Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a series of words. Example: "She sells seashells by the seashore."

Allusion

Definition: An allusion is a brief reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. Example: "He has the Midas touch," referencing King Midas from Greek mythology.

Idiom

Definition: An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning. Example: "It's raining cats and dogs" means it's raining heavily.

Onomatopoeia

Definition: Onomatopoeia refers to words that imitate the natural sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to. Example: "Buzz," "hiss," and "clang."

Personification

Definition: Personification is a figure of speech in which human attributes are given to non-human things or abstract ideas. Example: "The wind whispered through the trees."

Hyperbole

Definition: Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect. Example: "I’m so hungry I could eat a horse."

Understatement

Definition: An understatement is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker deliberately makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is. Example: Saying "It's just a scratch" when referring to a large dent in a car.

Feel free to ask if you need additional examples or further clarification!