Which term means the use of words that imitate sounds?

Which term means the use of words that imitate sounds?

• A. Alliteration
• B. Metaphor
• C. Hyperbole
• D. Onomatopoeia

Answer: (D)

Words that imitate sounds are called onomatopoeia. This device makes the written word echo a real noise, so readers can almost hear what’s happening—buzz, bang, hiss, splash, and other sound words. Alliteration repeats initial consonant sounds in nearby words, like “silly snakes slither,” which is about sound patterns in words, not the actual noises. A metaphor makes a direct comparison to something else, such as “time is a thief,” without using sound words. Hyperbole is an exaggeration for emphasis, like “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.” The term that means using words to imitate sounds is onomatopoeia.

Words that imitate sounds are called onomatopoeia. This device makes the written word echo a real noise, so readers can almost hear what’s happening—buzz, bang, hiss, splash, and other sound words. Alliteration repeats initial consonant sounds in nearby words, like “silly snakes slither,” which is about sound patterns in words, not the actual noises. A metaphor makes a direct comparison to something else, such as “time is a thief,” without using sound words. Hyperbole is an exaggeration for emphasis, like “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.” The term that means using words to imitate sounds is onomatopoeia.