Poetic Terms
The repetition of the same sound at the
beginning of two or more words.
Two words or lines that end in the same
sound.
Regular patterns that emphasize sound.
The rhythm of the syllables in a line of
poetry
The use of words that sound like what they
mean.
The repetition of the beginning or ending
consonant sounds.
Example: Buzz, pop, boom
Example: Sally sold seashells
Repeating words, lines, or phrases to
enhance meaning or enrich a poem
An extreme exaggeration for emphasis or
effect.
The repetition of vowel sounds that are
used close together in a line of poetry.
Example: David made his way to the lake
The comparison of two or more things
without using the words “like” or “as.”
Example: John is a cheetah on the football
field.
An expression that means something other
than the literal meaning of its individual
words.
Example: This book weighs a ton.
Figurative Language in which non-human
things are given human qualities and
characteristics.
A comparison of two or more things using
the words “like” or “as.”
Example: The sun kissed the flowers early
each morning.
Example: John is as fast as a cheetah on
the football field.
The use of language that creates mental
and sensory impressions. It appeals to one
or more of the five senses.
The division of a poem consisting of two
or more lines. This is sometimes referred
to as the “paragraph a poetry.”
Example: It’s raining cats and dogs!
A single line of words in a poem. It is
sometimes referred to as a “sentence in
poetry” even though it is sometimes only
a few words
Remember: Poetry is one of the main genres
of literature. Poetry is defined as words
created and arranged in ways to create
specific effects.