Simile: a comparison using “like” or “as.”
Ex. He’s as dumb as an ox.
Metaphor: a direct comparison.
Ex. He’s an zero.
Personification: Treating a non-human thing with human characteristics.
Ex. The days crept by slowly, sorrowfully.
Hyperbole: Exaggeration used for effect.
Ex. He weighs a ton.
Metonymy: Substituting one word or phrase for another that is closely related.
Ex. The White House stated today that...
Synecdoche: A part represents the whole.
Ex. The football player is hanging up his spikes.
Symbol: an object that represents something else.
Ex. A small cross by the dangerous curve on the road reminded all of Johnny’s death.
Contrast: closely arranging things with strikingly different characteristics
Ex. He was dark, sinister, and cruel; she was radiant, pleasant, and kind.
Paradox: a seeming contradiction.
Ex. The faster I go the behinder I get.
Irony: something said that is opposite its intended meaning.
Ex. Wow, thanks for expensive gift...let’s see: did it come with a Fun Meal or the Burger King equivalent?