Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Vivid descriptions are detailed and sensory language used by authors to create clear mental images in the reader's mind. They bring scenes, characters, and emotions to life.
Imagery refers to any language that appeals to our senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell) and helps us visualize what is happening in a literary work.
Figurative language includes metaphors, similes, personification, and other techniques that go beyond literal meaning to add depth and richness to descriptions.
Sensory Details: Sensory details are specific words or phrases that evoke sensations related to the five senses, making descriptions more vivid and engaging.