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21 Types of Figurative Language

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Figurative language is any language that isn't intended to be taken literally. This is a type of literary device that is typically used to convey complex meaning or effects. The following are common types of figurative language.

Analogy

Analogy is a broad term for any attempt to transfer meaning from one topic to another. For example, "the eyes are the windows to the soul."

Metaphor

A type of analogy that directly suggests two things are the same such as "time is a thief."

Simile

A simile is similar to a metaphor but uses language to weaken the comparison such as "like" or "resembles." This has less impact and can produce cowardly writing. For example, "time is like a thief."

Personification

Personification is the assignment of human qualities to non-human entities such as "the camera loves her."

Oxymoron

The use of contradictory terms in close proximity to each other such as "same difference."

Paradox

A statement that is self-contradictory or illogical that may be used to provoke thought. For example, "this sentence has never been read."

Hyperbole

An exaggeration that is designed such that no reasonable person would take it literally. For example, "this is the best toast that was ever toasted."

Allusion

A brief reference to a well known person, place, event or concept. This requires knowledge of the reference to understand. For example, "she flew over the cuckoo's nest" is a reference to the 1962 novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

Idiom

An idiom is any figurative language that is widely known by the native speakers of the language such that it can be considered a feature of the language. For example, "piece of cake" can be used as a substitute for "easy" in English.

Catachresis

Using a word in an unconventional way. For example, "I need to mow by beard."

Metonymy

Referring to something by the name of a closely related association. For example, referring to business people as "suits."

Pun

A joke that exploits different possible meanings for a word or phrase. For example, "You were right, so I left."

Double Entendre

A phrase designed to have a double meaning. This is commonly used as humor, a passive aggressive insult or as a means for talking about something risque indirectly. It is also common for double entendres to be unintentional.

Euphemism

Using a pleasant substitution for profanity or an unpleasant topic. For example, the use of "passed away" in place of "died."

Doublespeak

Language that is used to conceal the truth. For example, referring to bombing as "servicing the target."

Glittering Generality

A glittering generality is positive emotional language devoid of content such as "for the common good!"

Adage

A short statement that most people would accept as true such as "life is short."

Proverb

A traditional saying that provides advice such as "honesty is the best policy."

Cliche

Figurative language that has been overused such that people find it irritating. For example, "think outside the box."

Paraprosdokians

A two part phrase where the later part causes you to reinterpret the first part. Used for humor or dramatic effect. Winston Churchill was particularly known for his witty paraprosdokians such as "a modest man, who has much to be modest about."

Understatement

An expression of less strength than expected. Often used for emphasis, irony and humor. For example, in Monty Python's The Meaning of Life a character is asked how he feels after losing his leg to a tiger. The character calmly replies "stings a bit." The character also calmly assumes that a large mosquito is responsible for taking his leg and that his leg will grow back.
Overview: Figurative Language
Type
Definition
Language that isn't intended to be taken literally.
Related Concepts

Storytelling

This is the complete list of articles we have written about storytelling.
Analogy
Archetypes
Artistic License
Atmosphere
Character Development
Callback
Character Flaws
Cliche
Dry Humor
Design Fiction
Improv
Deux Ex Machina
Kairos
Direct Language
Literary Device
Literature
Figurative Language
Macguffin
Hypothetical Question
Metaphor
Mood
Improvisation
Myth
Inside Jokes
Plot
Jumping The Shark
Quibble
Rhetorical Device
Sarcasm
Lost The Plot
Satire
Message Framing
Tone Of Text
Understatement
Metaphysical Conceit
Verbal Irony
Want To Believe
Mood
Wit
Narrative Thread
Worldbuilding
Non Sequitur
Peak-End Rule
Personification
Red Herring
Rhetorical Question
Rule Of Three
Slice Of Life
Suspension Of Disbelief
Tagline
Looking Glass
Word Of Mouth
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A complete overview of personification with examples.

Ambiguity

A complete overview of ambiguity with examples.

Macguffin

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Sarcasm

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Direct Language

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Artistic License

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Language Characteristics

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Cliche

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Rhetorical Device

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Metaphor

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Verbal Irony

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