Figurative Language: Alliteration Flashcards

Alliteration

• Involves the repetition of consonant sounds for effect, exemplified by "the slithering snake silently stalked his prey."

Allusion

• References famous figures or events from history, mythology, or literature.

Apostrophe

• Engaging directly with an inanimate object as if it can respond, such as speaking to a stuffed animal.

Assonance

• The repetition of vowel sounds within words, illustrated by "an angular angler fish angrily attacked the fish."

Comparison

• Highlights similarities between two entities, like a "pair of identical twins."

Contrast

• Emphasizes differences between two subjects, such as "my hair is blond while my brother's hair is brown."

Flashback

• A narrative technique recalling past events, as seen in "The Great Gatsby."

Foreshadow

• Provides hints or clues about events that will unfold later, exemplified by the "Jaws theme."

Hyperbole

• Uses extreme exaggeration for emotional emphasis, demonstrated by "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."

Imagery

• Creates vivid mental images through descriptive language, such as "the golden Easter egg glistening in the bright sun."

Irony

• Employs words in a way that conveys the opposite of their literal meaning.

Metaphor

• Makes a direct comparison between two unrelated objects, like "her eyes were the sun."

Onomatopoeia

• Utilizes words that mimic the sounds they describe, such as "pow," "slam," and "bam."

Oxymoron

• Combines contradictory terms for effect, illustrated by the phrase "he is pretty ugly."

Parallel Structure

• Involves the repetition of similar grammatical structures, evident in "no way, no how, no sale."

Personification

• Attributes human characteristics to non-human entities, as seen in "the wind screamed."

Pun

• A playful use of language that exploits different meanings or similar sounds, like the old English pronunciation of "knife."

Repetition

• The recurrence of sounds, words, or ideas to enhance meaning, exemplified in "the pickled pear was purple."

Simile

• A comparison using "like" or "as," illustrated by "she was as beautiful as the ocean."

Stream of Consciousness

• A narrative mode that presents a flow of thoughts and feelings in a disorganized manner, demonstrated by rambling thoughts about swimming and birthdays.

Synecdoche

• A figure of speech where a part represents the whole, as in "I'm counting heads."

Synaesthesia

• Merges sensations, such as seeing sounds.

Symbolism

• Utilizes concrete items to signify abstract concepts, exemplified by a "cross of gold" representing faith.

Overstatement

• Deliberately exaggerates for effect, such as claiming "I've ran a million miles."

Understatement

• Intentionally minimizes for effect, illustrated by the phrase "just a little ice cream."