Literary Devices with Definitions and Examples
Simile
Definition: A simile is a comparison between two different things using 'like' or 'as.'
Example: She was as brave as a lion.
Metaphor
Definition: A metaphor is a direct comparison between two things, stating one thing is
another.
Example: The world is a stage.
Personification
Definition: Personification gives human characteristics to non-human objects or animals.
Example: The wind whispered through the trees.
Assonance
Definition: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within closely connected words.
Example: The early bird catches the worm.
Alliteration
Definition: Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words.
Example: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
Juxtaposition
Definition: Juxtaposition places two contrasting elements side by side to highlight their
differences.
Example: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
Paradox
Definition: A paradox is a statement that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth.
Example: Less is more.
Sibilance
Definition: Sibilance is the repetition of 's' or 'sh' sounds to create a soft, hissing effect.
Example: She sells seashells by the seashore.
Oxymoron
Definition: An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms.
Example: Bittersweet.
Idiom
Definition: An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning differs from its literal
meaning.
Example: It's raining cats and dogs.
Euphemism
Definition: A euphemism is a polite or mild word or expression used to refer to something
unpleasant or embarrassing.
Example: He passed away instead of saying he died.
Rhyme
Definition: Rhyme is the repetition of similar sounds, usually at the end of lines in poems.
Example: The cat sat on the mat.
Hyperbole
Definition: Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.
Example: I’ve told you a million times.
Irony
Definition: Irony is a situation or expression where the opposite of what is expected occurs
or is said.
Example: A fire station burns down.
Onomatopoeia
Definition: Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate the sounds associated with the
objects or actions they refer to.
Example: The bees buzzed in the garden.
Symbolism
Definition: Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities beyond the
literal sense.
Example: A dove often symbolizes peace.
Pun
Definition: A pun is a humorous play on words that exploits the multiple meanings of a
word or words that sound alike.
Example: Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
Allusion
Definition: An allusion is an indirect reference to a person, place, event, or literary work.
Example: He’s a real Romeo with the ladies.
