define literary term figure of speech

• Literary Terms
• Figures of Speech
• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Use Figures of Speech

I. What are Figures of Speech?

A figure of speech is a word or phrase using figurative language—language that has other meaning than its normal definition. In other words, figures of speeches rely on implied or suggested meaning, rather than a dictionary definition.  We express and develop them through hundreds of different rhetorical techniques, from specific types like metaphors and similes , to more general forms like sarcasm and slang.

Figures of speech make up a huge portion of the English language, making it more creative, more expressive, and just more interesting! Many have been around for hundreds of years—some even thousands—and more are added to our language essentially every day. This article will focus on a few key forms of figures of speech, but remember, the types are nearly endless!

III. Types of Figure of Speech

There are countless figures of speech in every language, and they fall into hundreds of categories. Here, though, is a short list of some of the most common types of figure of speech:

A. Metaphor

Many common figures of speech are metaphors. That is, they use words in a manner other than their literal meaning. However, metaphors use figurative language to make comparisons between unrelated things or ideas. The “peak of her career,” for example, is a metaphor, since a career is not a literal mountain with a peak , but the metaphor represents the idea of arriving at the highest point of one’s career.

An idiom is a common phrase with a figurative meaning. Idioms are different from other figures of speech in that their figurative meanings are mostly known within a particular language, culture, or group of people. In fact, the English language alone has about 25,000 idioms. Some examples include “it’s raining cats and dogs” when it is raining hard, or “break a leg” when wishing someone good luck.

This sentence uses an idiom to make it more interesting:

There’s a supermarket and a pharmacy in the mall, so if we go there, we can kill two birds with one stone.

The idiom is a common way of saying that two tasks can be completed in the same amount of time or same place.

A proverb is a short, commonplace saying that is universally understood in today’s language and used to express general truths. “Don’t cry over spilt milk” is a popular example. Most proverbs employ metaphors (e.g. the proverb about milk isn’t  literally  about milk).

This example uses a proverb to emphasize the situation:

I know you think you’re going to sell all of those cookies, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch!

Here, “don’t count your chickens before they hatch” means that you shouldn’t act like something has happened before it actually does.

A simile is a very common figure of speech that uses the words “like” and “as” to compare two things that are not related by definition. For example, “he is as tall as a mountain,” doesn’t mean he was actually 1,000 feet tall, it just means he was really tall.

This example uses a simile for comparison:

The internet is like a window to the world —you can learn about everything online!

The common phrase “window to the world” refers to a hypothetical window that lets you see the whole world from it. So, saying the internet is like a window to the world implies that it lets you see anything and everything.

E. Oxymoron

An oxymoron is when you use two words together that have contradictory meanings. Some common examples include s mall crowd, definitely possible, old news, little giant , and so on.

A metonym is a word or phrase that is used to represent something related to bigger meaning. For example, fleets are sometimes described as being “thirty sails strong,” meaning thirty (curiously, this metonym survives in some places, even when the ships in question are not sail-powered!) Similarly, the crew on board those ships may be described as “hands” rather than people.

Irony is when a word or phrase’s literal meaning is the opposite of its figurative meaning. Many times (but not always), irony is expressed with sarcasm (see Related Terms). For example, maybe you eat a really bad cookie, and then say “Wow, that was the best cookie I ever had”—of course, what you really mean is that it’s the worst cookie you ever had, but being ironic actually emphasizes just how bad it was!

IV. The Importance of Figures of Speech

In general, the purpose of a figure of speech is to lend texture and color to your writing. (This is itself a figure of speech, since figures of speech don’t actually change the colors or textures on the page!) For instance, metaphors allow you to add key details that make the writing more lively and relatable. Slang and verbal irony, on the other hand, make the writing seem much more informal and youthful (although they can have the opposite effect when misused!) Finally, other figures of speech, like idioms and proverbs, allows a writer to draw on a rich cultural tradition and express complex ideas in a short space.

V. Examples of Figures of Speech in Literature

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.” (William Shakespeare, As You Like It)

This is one of the most famous metaphors ever crafted in the English language. Shakespeare uses his extended metaphor to persuade the audience of the similarities between the stage and real life. But rather than making his play seem more like life, he suggests that life is more like a play. His metaphor calls attention to the performative, creative, and fictional aspects of human life.

“Our words are b ut crumbs that fall down from the feast o f the mind.” (Khalil Gibran, Sand & Foam )

Gibran’s timeless metaphor succeeds for a number of reasons. For one thing, it is not a cliché – had Gibran said “words are just the tip of the iceberg ,” he would have been making roughly the same point, but in a much more clichéd way. But the feast of the mind is a highly original metaphor. In addition, it’s a successful double metaphor. The crumbs and the feast are two parts of the same image, but they work together rather than being “mixed” (see How to Use Figures of Speech ).

“If you chase two rabbits, you will lose them both.” (Russian Proverb)

Like many proverbs, this one draws on a simple metaphor of chasing rabbits. The rabbits can stand in for all sorts of objectives, from jobs to relationships, but the coded message is quite clear – focus your energy on a single objective, or you will likely fail. This literal statement, though, is quite dry and not terribly memorable, which shows the power of figures of speech.

VI. Examples of Figures of Speech in Pop Culture

The chorus to Sean Kingston’s Fire Burning contains a couple of figures of speech. First of all, there’s the word “shorty” used as a slang term (see Related Terms ) for a young woman. She may or may not be literally short, but the figure of speech applies either way (though it could easily be taken as belittling and derogatory). Second, Kingston sings the metaphor: “she’s fire, burning on the dance floor.” Hopefully this is a figure of speech and not a literal statement; otherwise, Kingston and everyone else in the club are in mortal danger!

“Oh, thanks! This is much better!” (Townspeople, South Park )

This is an example of irony. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, South Park satirized the government’s response to the disaster by writing about a similar disaster in South Park. In a bumbling effort to rescue people from the floods, the authorities accidentally spill oil on the flood waters and set it on fire, making the situation far more dangerous. In response, they ironically “thank” the people responsible—their meaning is obviously the opposite of their words!

Years of talks between Washington and Havana resulted in Obama’s historic visit to Cuba on March 21st. (Patreon 2016)

This is a common form of metonym in foreign policy and news media. The capital city of a country is used as a metonym for the national government. The talks, of course, are not literally between these two cities, but between the leaders and government officials of the two countries (US and Cuba).

VII. Related Terms

Literal and figurative language.

Language is generally divided into two categories: literal, and figurative. Literal language relies on the real definition of words and phrases, or their literal meanings. Figurative language, on the other hand, relies on implied meanings, which can be understood differently depending on the location or who is using it. For example, “the sky is blue” relies on the literal definition of the word “blue,” while “I am feeling blue” relies on the figurative definition. All figures of speech rely on the use of figurative language for their meaning.

Sarcasm is mocking or bitter language that we use to express different meaning than what we say; often the exact opposite. When your intended meaning is the opposite of the literal meaning, that’s irony (another type of figure of speech), which includes common phrases like “Oh, great…” when you really mean something is bad.

Slang is language that uses atypical words and phrases to express specific meanings. It varies greatly by region, demographic, and language—for example, you would find different slang in the U.S. and in the U.K. even though they are both English speaking countries. Likewise, teenagers and the elderly will use different slang terms, as would Spanish and English. Many slang terms are figures of speech. For example, “bro” could be used to describe a friend rather than an actual brother; this would be using the word as a figure of speech.

List of Terms

• Alliteration
• Amplification
• Anachronism
• Anthropomorphism
• Antonomasia
• APA Citation
• Aposiopesis
• Autobiography
• Bildungsroman
• Characterization
• Circumlocution
• Cliffhanger
• Comic Relief
• Connotation
• Deus ex machina
• Deuteragonist
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Dramatic irony
• Equivocation
• Extended Metaphor
• Flash-forward
• Foreshadowing
• Intertextuality
• Juxtaposition
• Literary Device
• Malapropism
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Point of View
• Polysyndeton
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Rhetorical Device
• Rhetorical Question
• Science Fiction
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
• Synesthesia
• Turning Point
• Understatement
• Urban Legend
• Verisimilitude
• Essay Guide
• Cite This Website

figure of speech

What is a figure of speech definition, usage, and literary examples, figure of speech definition.

Figures of speech  (FIG-yurs of SPEEchuh) are words or phrases used in a non-literal sense for  rhetorical  effect. They are often constructed using literary devices such as  metaphor ,  simile ,  alliteration , metonymy, synecdoche, and personification. Figures of speech allow writers to apply familiar ideas and  imagery  to less familiar concepts, and they are widespread in written and spoken language.

Figure of Speech Categories

Figures of speech fall into two broad categories: tropes and scheme. These are  dozens of figures of speech  that fall into each category, so the following are a select few examples.

These are figures of speech that play with syntax, sound, and words. They often achieve their effects by utilizing repetition of words, phrases, or sounds; omission of words or punctuation; unexpected changes in word order; or paired identical grammatical structures.

• Alliteration : Repeating consonant sounds in a series of words
• Diacope: Repeating words or phrases, interrupted by one or two other words
• Homonyms: Identical words that have different meanings
• Sibilance: Repeating hissing sounds
• Asyndeton: Omitting conjunctions between related series of clauses
• Brachylogia: Omitting conjunctions between individual words
• Ellipsis: Omitting words without losing  context  or understanding
• Syncope: Omitting word or phrase parts

Changes in Word Order

• Anastrophe: Rearranging the subject, object and verb order in a phrase
• Apposition: Two phrases, often separated by commas, where the second defines the first
• Parenthesis: A rhetorical, qualifying phrase inserted into a sentence or passage
• Spoonerism: Switching syllables between two words

Paired Grammatical Structures

• Antithesis : Juxtaposing ideas
• Isocolon: Consecutive phrases of identical length in words or syllables
• Parallelism: Similar grammatical structure between two or more clauses
• Tricolon: Three consecutive phrases of identical length in words or syllables

These are figures of speech that deviate in some way from the literal meanings of words. They tend to include association or comparison to shift readers’ perceptions from words’ true definitions to a layered figurative meaning. They can be broken into five categories: reference, word play/puns, substitutions, overstatement/understatement, and inversion.

• Allegory : A narrative that is an indirect metaphor for a broader, real-world concept
• Allusion : An intertextual reference to another creative work
• Metaphor : A direct comparison between two unrelated things
• Personification: Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities

Word Play/Puns

• Innuendo: A phrase or  sentence  with a hidden (often salacious) meaning
• Malapropism: Confusing a word with a similar sounding one
• Paraprosdokian : An unexpected ending to a phrase
• Pun : Word play that makes use of a word’s multiple meanings

Substitutions

• Dysphemism: Using a harsh word or phrase to replace a gentler one
• Euphemism : Using a more agreeable word or phrase to replace an offensive one
• Metonymy: Replacing a word or term with something associated with it
• Synecdoche: Referring to a whole by its part(s) or vice versa

Overstatement/Understatement

• Grandiloquence: Speech that is pompous or grandiose
• Hyperbole : An emphatic exaggeration
• Litotes : Emphasizing a statement by negating its opposite
• Satire: Criticism of society through humorous means
• Irony : Conveying the opposite of a word’s literal meaning
• Oxymoron : Using contradictory words together
• Paradox: Using contradictory ideas to make a point
• Synesthesia: Using sensory-specific words to describe a different sense

Most Common Figures of Speech

The following are some of the most common figures of speech that appear in literature and other written forms.

• Alliteration :  This is a scheme that uses repetition of the same first consonant sound to create a musical effect. “Francine found France quite lovely” is an example of alliteration because of the repeating  f  sound in the words  Francine ,  found , and  France .
• Apostrophe:  With apostrophe, a speaker directly addresses an inanimate object, an abstract concept, or a person who is either imaginary or not present. John Donne use apostrophe in his poem “ Holy Sonnet: Death, be not proud ,” wherein he speaks directly to a personified idea of death.
• Chiasmus:  This is a scheme where the second half of an expression is balanced against the first half in a reversed order. “You should eat to live, not live to eat” is one example; it repeats the words  eat  and  live  but reverses the order the second time they occur.
• Euphemism:  This literary device takes a mild or indirect word or expression and replaces something harsh, unpleasant, or offensive with it. Saying someone  passed on  is a euphemism for  died ;  powder my nose  is a euphemism for  go to the bathroom .
• Hyperbole:  This is the use of exaggeration for emphasis or heightened effect. “If I don’t nap right now, I will die” is a hyperbolic statement; it conveys the experience of feeling tired, but readers understand the speaker won’t literally die.
• Irony:  This literary device occurs when words are used to convey the opposite of their meaning or when a situation seems directly contrary to what is expected. Famously, Alanis Morissette’s song “Ironic” lists many situations she deems ironic when they aren’t ironic at all; thus, irony.
• Litotes:  This figure of speech refers to a type of understatement. It is used to negate a statement in a way that actually affirms it. For example, saying “That’s no small chunk of change” indicates that the sum in question is, in fact, large.
• Metaphor :  A form of trope, metaphors make an implicit comparison between two unrelated things. “Love is a battlefield” is metaphoric, as it implies the experience of being in love is the same as being on a battlefield.
• Onomatopoeia :  Words that are onomatopoeic evoke the sounds of the thing they are referring to.  Hiss ,  crash , and  tick tock  are all examples because they sound like what they are describing—the sound of a snake, thunder, and a clock, respectively.
• Oxymoron:  This literary device consists of contradictory words paired together. Although the words initially appear to negate each other, they make sense when joined.  Deafening silence  is an oxymoronic pair; the adjective  deafening  means “a volume so high that nothing can be heard over it,” and the noun  silence  means “without sound.” These words are incongruous, but together they mean an overbearing, noticeable absence of sound.
• Personification:  When greater qualities of animation are given to a non-human or inanimate object, that is personification. In T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” fog is described as “The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes/The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes.” Here, Eliot is personifying the fog by giving it the attributes of a cat.
• Pun :  This is a humorous play on words, often using homonyms, homographs, or homophones. For example, “I’ve been to the dentist many times, so I know the drill” is a pun; it plays with the double meaning of the word  drill  as a tool of the dentistry trade and as a concept of something being routine.
• Simile :  Related to metaphors, similes are explicit comparisons made using the words  like  or  as . “Lucille’s dress was as red as a fire truck” makes an explicit comparison between the color of the dress and the color of a fire truck. This allows the reader to properly visualize what Lucille is wearing.
• Synecdoche:  This is a figure of speech wherein a part of something stands in for the whole thing. “All hands on deck” is a synecdoche because  hands  stands in for the whole crew of a ship.”

Figure of Speech and Figurative Language

People often use the terms  figurative language  and  figure of speech  interchangeably; however, they are not the same. Instead, figurative language is a broad category that contains figures of speech, as well as  imagery  and  sound devices .

Imagery adds additional aesthetic resonance to texts through the evocation of sensory details. Sound devices enhance the text through sonic means. These elements, in conjunction with figures of speech, give a deeper meaning to the language a writer uses in their work.

Why Figures of Speech Are Used

These literary devices emphasize, embellish, or clarify written or spoken language. They allow an audience to understand ideas through implied or suggested meaning, thus giving the language a more surprising, creative, and playful effect. Some figures of speech enhance imagery, while others allow writers to employ rich cultural traditions to express their ideas. Even further, other figures of speech allow writers to experiment with structure and sound to create specific effects. No matter which type is used, the expressive quality of figures of speech helps keep audiences engaged.

Examples of Figures of Speech in Literature

1. Hafizah Geter, “ Testimony ”

Geter begins her  poem :

Mr. President,

After they shot me they tackled my sister.

the sound of her knees hitting the sidewalk

made my stomach ache. It was a bad pain.

The poem is a  dramatic monologue  spoken by Tamir Rice, a 12-year old black child who was killed by police officers who mistook his toy gun for a real one. This poem uses apostrophe as the speaker, Tamir, talks directly to “Mr. President” (then president Barack Obama).

2. William Shakespeare,   Macbeth

In Act III, Scene iii., of this play, before King Duncan’s murder is discovered, Lennox and Macbeth converse:

LENNOX: The night has been unruly: where we lay,

Our chimneys were blown down: and, as they say,

Lamentings heard i’the air; strange screams of death,

And prophesying with accents terrible

Of fire combustion and confused events

New hatch’d to the woeful time: the obscure bird

Clamour’d the livelong night: some say, the earth

Was feverous and did shake.

MACBETH: ‘Twas a rough night.

LENNOX: My young remembrance cannot parallel

A fellow to it.

Pathetic fallacy is a type of trope. It occurs when human feelings and attributes are ascribed to nature. This figure of speech is used throughout this  Shakespearean  tragedy. In this particular scene, Lennox describes how terrible and strange the weather was on the evening of the murder. The way the wind and earth seem to embody the horror of King Duncan’s death is pathetic fallacy.

3. Karl Marx,   Das Kapital

In Part I (“Commodities and Money”) of Marx’s treatise on economics, philosophy, history, and political science, he claims:

In the pre-capitalist stages of society, commerce rules industry. In capitalist society, industry rules commerce.

These two sentences are an example of chiasmus. Here, “commerce” first rules “industry,” and then “industry” rules “commerce.” By reversing the order of these words/concepts, Marx employs chiasmus.

4. Toni Morrison,  Sula

The last line of Morrison’s novel is considered by some to be one of the best lines in fiction and nonfiction. The sentence describes protagonist Nel’s grief at the death of her childhood friend Sula:

It was a fine cry—loud and long—but it had no bottom and it had no top, just circles and circles of sorrow.

This sentence is rich in alliteration: “loud and long” contain  L  sounds at the beginning, as well as the repetition of  c  and  s  sounds with  cry ,  circles ,  circles , and  sorrow . The latter is also an example of sibilance.

5. Oscar Wilde,   The Importance of Being Earnest

In Wilde’s play, the main characters John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff pose as men named Ernest, only for Jack to learn that his given name really is Ernest. He delivers the final line of the play:

On the contrary, Aunt Augusta, I’ve now realized for the first time in my life the vital importance of being Earnest.

Jack/Ernest’s declaration is a homographic pun. It means both that he understands the importance of being Ernest (his real name), as well as the importance of being  earnest  (sincere).

6. Aimee Nezhukumatathil, “ On Listening to Your Teacher Take Attendance ”

In this poem, Nezhukumatathil describes the experience of one’s name being mispronounced by a teacher taking attendance:

everyone turns around to check out

your face, no need to flush red and warm.

Just picture all the eyes as if your classroom

is one big scallop with its dozens of icy blues

and you will remember that winter your family

took you to the China see and you sank

your face in it to gaze at baby clams and sea stars

She uses a simile, “Just picture all the eyes as if your classroom/is one big scallop with its dozens of icy blues,” to explicitly compare the staring kids to the dozens of eyes that a sea scallop has.

Further Resources on Figure of Speech

Thought Catalog has a wonderful list of  figures of speech used by Homer Simpson  in  The Simpsons.

Jamcampus published a  great list  of twenty examples of metaphors in popular songs.

This is an entertaining round up of  oxymorons .

SuperSummary's library of resources and content , such as " A Beginner's Guide to Literary Analysis " and " How to Write a Summary ."

Related Terms

• Figurative language

What is Figure of Speech? Definition, Examples of Figures of Speech

Home » The Writer’s Dictionary » What is Figure of Speech? Definition, Examples of Figures of Speech

Figure of speech definition: Figure of speech is the use of language to add richness to the literal meaning of words.

Common Figures of Speech

Here are some common figures of speech:

Metaphor : A metaphor is the comparison of two unlike things without the use of like or as.

• In this sentence, we have the metaphor “boy was a wild animal”. The boy is being compared to a wild animal because of his behavior in the store.

Simile : A simile is the comparison between two unlike things using such words as like, as, or so.

• In this sentence, we have the simile “boy was like a ninja”. The young boy’s stealthy behavior is being compared to that of a ninja. It is a simile rather than a metaphor because the word “like” was included.

Hyperbole : A hyperbole is an over exaggeration.

• In this example, the hyperbole is the over exaggeration of hunger that Ashley has after her day of swimming, for she is not literally as hungry as a hippo.

Personification : Personification is when human traits are given to anything nonhuman.

• Here, the sun is being given the human trait of smiling.

The Function of Figures of Speech

The purpose of using figures of speech is to add richness to writing that will have an effect on the reader. By using these comparisons, it allows the reader to have a greater understanding and ability to imagine the situations being described in the writing.

How Figures of Speech are Used in Literature

Here are some examples of figures of speech in literature:

In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet , he uses a metaphor in the famous balcony scene. Romeo exclaims, “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? / It is the east and Juliet is the sun”.

• “Juliet is the sun” = metaphor
• This metaphor is used to emphasis the overwhelming brightness of Juliet’s beauty.

In James Hurst’s short story The Scarlet Ibis , he uses a simile to set the somber mood at the beginning of the story, “the oriole nest in the elm was untenanted and rocked back and forth like an empty cradle”.

• “Oriole nest…rocked back and forth like an empty cradle” = simile
• This simile is used to create a somber mood by comparing the movement of the nest to that of an empty cradle, which has a negative connotation associated with it.

The Scarlet Ibis also includes examples of hyperbole . Hurst writes, “We danced together quite well until she came down on my big toe with her brogans, hurting me so badly I thought I was crippled for life”.

• “hurting me so badly I thought I was crippled for life” = hyperbole
• This hyperbole is used to exaggerate the pain felt by the young child when his aunt stepped on his toe while dancing.

In Eric Litwin’s Pete the Cat series, personification is used with the starring character, Pete. In the book I Love My White Shoes, he writes, “Did Pete cry? Goodness, no! He kept walking along and singing his song”.

• In this example, a cat is given human traits such as singing. Many children’s book employ personification due to the inclusion of nonhuman characters.

Summary: What Does Figure of Speech Mean?

Define figure of speech mean? In summation, figures of speech are used to add richness and imagery to a work of literature in order to achieve an effect for the reader.

Final example,

In Pat Mora’s poem “Old Snake”, it states “Leave / those doubts and hurts / buzzing like flies in your ears”.

• “doubts and hurts / buzzing like flies in your ears” = simile

This simile is used to compare the left behind worries to just a buzz in the ear like a fly. A comparison to a fly is used because flies are often seen as an annoyance just like having constant doubt or worry.

Figure of Speech

Definition of figure of speech.

A figure of speech is a phrase or word having different meanings than its literal meanings. It conveys meaning by identifying or comparing one thing to another, which has connotation or meaning familiar to the audience . That is why it is helpful in creating vivid rhetorical effect.

Types of figures of Speech

There are many types of figures of speech. Here are a few of them with detailed descriptions:

Personification

It occurs when a writer gives human traits to non-human or inanimate objects. It is similar to metaphors and similes that also use comparison between two objects. For instance,

“Hadn’t she felt it in every touch of the sunshine, as its golden finger-tips pressed her lids open and wound their way through her hair?”

(“ The Mother’s Recompense ” by Edith Wharton)

In the above lines, the speaker is personifying sunshine as it has finger tips that wound their way into her hair. This is trait of using finger-tips in hair is a human one.

Understatement and Hyperbole

These two figures of speech are opposite to each other. Hyperbole uses extreme exaggeration . It exaggerates to lay emphasis on a certain quality or feature. It stirs up emotions among the readers, these emotions could be about happiness, romance , inspiration, laughter or sadness.

I’ll love you, dear, I’ll love you Till China and Africa meet, And the river jumps over the mountain And the salmon sing in the street.” ( “As I Walked Out One Evening” by W.H. Auden)

In this poem , Auden has used hyperbole to stress on how long his love his beloved would last. Just imagine when China and Africa would meet and can river jump up over the mountains? How salmon can be intelligent enough so that it could sing and evolve enough and walk the streets?

Whereas understatement uses less than whatever is intended, such as,

“You killed my family. And I don’t like that kind of thing.”

( “The Chosen One” by Boon Collins and Rob Schneider)

In this line, the speaker is using an understatement because someone has killed his family and he is just taking it very normal like nothing serious has happened.

It is a type of comparison between things or objects by using “as” or “like.” See the following example:

My heart is like a singing bird Whose nest is in a water’d shoot; My heart is like an apple-tree My heart is like a rainbow shell…

( “A Birthday” by Christina Rossetti)

Rossetti has used simile thrice in this part of the poem , comparing her heart to a “singing bird”, “an apple-tree”, and a rainbow shell.” The poet makes comparison of heart to a happy bird in a nest, an apple tree full with fruits and a beautiful shell in the sea, full of peace and joy.

Metaphor is comparing two unlike objects or things, which may have some common qualities.

Presentiment – is that long shadow – on the lawn – Indicative that Suns go down – The notice to the startled Grass That Darkness – is about to pass –

( “Presentiment is that long shadow on the lawn” by Emily Dickinson)

In this example, Dickinson presents presentiment as a shadow. Presentiment actually means anxiety or foreboding, which she calls a shadow. In fact, she makes compares it with shadow to provide a better description of anxiety that could creep up in a person’s life and cause fear.

Pun is the manipulation of words that have more than one meanings. It brings humor in an expression.

Whoever hath her wish, thou hast thy Will, And Will to boot, and Will in overplus;

( “ Sonnet 135” by William Shakespeare)

See the use of odd grammar rule, which is the capitalization of word “Will.” Usually in the middle of a line or sentence, writers capitalize a name. Here it is the first name of Shakespeare. It means he has created pun of his own name.

Function of Figure of Speech

Figure of speech is not only used to embellish the language, but also cause a moment of excitement when reading. It is used equally in writing as well as in speech. It, in fact, provides emphasis, clarity or freshness to expression. Clarity, however, may sometimes suffer because a figure of speech introduces double meanings such as connotative and denotative meanings. It also strengthens the creative expression and description along with making the language more graphic, pointed and vivid.

Figures of Speech: Definition and Types with Examples

A figure of speech is a word or phrase that is used in a non-literal sense to add emphasis or artistic effect. For example, if someone says “The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop,” they are using a figure of speech to exaggerate the silence in the room for emphasis.

Figures of speech are literary devices that are used to create a more imaginative and engaging way of speaking or writing. These literary devices are often used to create vivid images or to express complex ideas in a more concise and impactful way.

Some common examples of figures of speech include metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, and irony. These devices are often used in poetry and literature to add depth and meaning to the text.

Most Common Figures of Speech in English Grammar

There is no fixed number of figures of speech in English grammar. New figures of speech can be created and old ones can fall out of use, so the number is constantly changing. Additionally, different sources may classify figures of speech differently, so the number can vary depending on the criteria used. Some common figures of speech in English include:

In simple terms, a simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using the words “like” or “as.” It’s a way of describing something by saying it’s similar to something else.

Imagine you’re trying to describe how fast a cheetah runs. You could say, “The cheetah runs like lightning.” By using the word “like,” you’re comparing the cheetah’s speed to the speed of lightning. This is a simile because you’re saying the cheetah is similar to lightning in terms of speed.

Similes help make our language more interesting and descriptive. They can create vivid images in our minds and help us understand something better by relating it to something more familiar. For example, if you say, “Her smile is as bright as the sun,” you’re comparing the brightness of her smile to the brightness of the sun.

So, similes are like little tools that writers and speakers use to make their descriptions more engaging and imaginative. They allow us to compare things in a fun and creative way, using “like” or “as” to highlight the similarities between them.

Here are a few more examples of similes:

• “He is as brave as a lion.” This simile compares someone’s bravery to the courage of a lion, emphasizing their fearlessness.
• “Her voice was like music to my ears.” In this simile, the person’s voice is being compared to the pleasant and melodious nature of music.
• “The water shimmered like diamonds under the sunlight.” This simile compares the sparkling quality of water to the brilliance and shine of diamonds.
• “She ran as fast as a cheetah chasing its prey.” Here, the speed of the person running is likened to the incredible speed of a cheetah in pursuit of its prey.
• “His anger erupted like a volcano, spewing fiery words.” This simile compares the sudden and intense anger to the eruption of a volcano, highlighting the force and intensity of the emotions.

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things by saying that one thing is another thing, even though they are not literally the same. It’s a way of describing something by using a word or phrase that is unrelated to the thing being described. Metaphors make our language more imaginative and creative.

Let’s look at an example to help explain it better. Imagine you want to describe a person who is very brave. You could say, “He is a lion.” Now, obviously, the person is not actually a lion. What you’re doing is using the word “lion” to describe his bravery. Lions are known for their courage and strength, so by calling him a lion, you’re saying that he has similar qualities.

Here are a few more examples to help you understand:

• “Her eyes are sparkling diamonds.” Here, the person’s eyes are being compared to diamonds to emphasize their brightness and beauty.
• “Time is money.” In this metaphor, time is compared to money to convey the idea that time, like money, is valuable and should be used wisely.
• “Life is a journey.” This metaphor suggests that life can be thought of as a journey, with ups and downs, detours, and destinations.
• “He has a heart of gold.” Here, someone’s kind and generous nature is being compared to a heart made of gold, emphasizing their good-heartedness.
• “The world is a stage.” This metaphor compares the world to a stage, suggesting that life is like a play with different roles and performances.

Metaphors help us see things in new and interesting ways. They add depth and layers of meaning to our language by comparing one thing to another. By using metaphors, we can express ourselves creatively and make our descriptions more engaging and imaginative.

Personification

Personification is a figure of speech that gives human qualities or attributes to non-human things or abstract concepts. It’s a way of making something (that is not alive or human) seem like it has human characteristics or abilities.

Let’s suppose you’re describing a storm. Instead of just saying, “The storm was loud and powerful,” you could use personification and say, “The storm roared and unleashed its fury.” By using the word “roared” and attributing the ability to unleash fury to the storm, you’re giving it human-like qualities of sound and emotions.

Personification helps us create a more vivid and relatable image in our minds. It helps us understand and connect with things that are not human by making them seem more familiar.

• “The flowers danced in the breeze.” Here, the flowers are given the human quality of dancing, even though flowers cannot literally dance.
• “The sun smiled down on us.” This personification gives the sun the human ability to smile, adding a sense of warmth and happiness to the description.
• “The leaves whispered secrets to each other.” By attributing the action of whispering secrets to leaves, this personification creates a sense of intimacy and secrecy among the leaves.
• “The car coughed and sputtered before finally starting.” The act of coughing and sputtering is typically associated with humans, but here it is attributed to a car, giving it human-like qualities.
• “Time flies .” This personification suggests that time moves quickly, just like a bird or an insect in flight.

Personification helps make our language more colorful and imaginative. By giving non-human things human qualities, we can relate to them better and create more engaging and memorable descriptions.

Alliteration

Alliteration is a literary technique that involves the repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of closely connected words or stressed syllables. It’s a way of creating a rhythmic and musical effect in writing or speech.

To understand alliteration, let’s look at an example. Suppose you want to describe a rainy day and you say, “The raindrops danced delicately on the roof.” The repetition of the “d” sound in “raindrops,” “danced,” and “delicately” is an example of alliteration. It adds a pleasing and melodic quality to the sentence.

• “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” This famous tongue twister is a playful example of alliteration, with the repeated “p” sound.
• “She sells seashells by the seashore.” In this phrase, the repeated “s” sound creates a smooth and flowing rhythm.
• “A big brown bear bounced on the bed.” The repeated “b” sound in this sentence adds emphasis and creates a strong beat.
• “Misty mountains majestically rise.” Here, the repeated “m” sound captures the sense of grandeur and adds a musical quality.
• “Silent as a shadow, he slipped through the night.” The repeated “s” sound in this sentence creates a sense of stealth and smoothness.

Alliteration is like a musical instrument in writing. It helps create a pleasing and rhythmic effect, making the language more memorable and engaging. It adds a touch of playfulness, emphasis, and sometimes even a sense of sound effects to the words.

Assonance is a literary device that involves the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words. It’s a technique used to create a musical or melodic effect in writing or speech.

To understand assonance, let’s look at an example. Imagine you want to describe a serene lake, and you say, “The serene scene of the lake.” The repetition of the long “ee” sound in “serene,” “scene,” and “lake” is an example of assonance. It creates a soothing and harmonious quality in the sentence.

• “I feel the heat as I read.” In this sentence, the repeated “ee” sound in “feel,” “heat,” and “read” creates a flowing and musical effect.
• “The cat sat on the mat.” Here, the repeated short “a” sound in “cat,” “sat,” and “mat” adds a rhythmic quality to the sentence.
• “Hear the mellow wedding bells.” The repeated long “e” sound in “hear,” “mellow,” and “bells” creates a soft and melodic tone.
• “The owl howled at the moon.” In this example, the repeated long “o” sound in “owl” and “howled” adds emphasis and creates a haunting effect.
• “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.” This famous phrase from the musical “My Fair Lady” demonstrates assonance with the repeated long “a” sound.

Assonance helps create a musical and lyrical quality in writing. It adds a pleasing and melodic effect, making the language more memorable and engaging. Assonance, along with other sound devices like alliteration and rhyme, can enhance the overall beauty and rhythm of a piece of writing or speech.

Consonance is a literary device that involves the repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words, specifically in the middle or at the end of words. It is a technique used to create a harmonious and musical effect in writing or speech.

To understand consonance, let’s look at an example. Imagine you want to describe the sound of the waves, and you say, “The waves crashed and splashed.” The repeated “sh” sound in “crashed” and “splashed” is an example of consonance. It creates a soothing and rhythmic quality in the sentence.

• “Mike likes his bike.” In this sentence, the repeated “k” sound in “Mike,” “likes,” and “bike” adds a crisp and sharp quality to the sentence.
• “Pitter-patter, raindrops scatter.” The repeated “t” and “r” sounds in this phrase create a sense of lightness and quick movement.
• “She sells seashells by the seashore.” Here, the repeated “s” and “sh” sounds add a soft and smooth rhythm to the sentence.
• “The whisper of the wind.” In this example, the repeated “w” sound in “whisper” and “wind” creates a gentle and airy effect.
• “A sweet tweet from a little bird.” The repeated “t” sound in “sweet,” “tweet,” and “little” adds emphasis and creates a playful tone.

Consonance helps create a musical and harmonious quality in writing. It adds a pleasing and rhythmic effect, making the language more memorable and engaging. Consonance, along with other sound devices like alliteration and rhyme, can enhance the overall beauty and rhythm of a piece of writing or speech.

Anaphora is a literary device that involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. It’s a technique used to add emphasis and create a powerful effect in writing or speech.

To understand anaphora, let’s look at an example. Imagine you want to inspire a group of people, and you say, “We will fight for justice. We will fight for equality. We will fight for a better future.” In this example, the repetition of the phrase “We will fight” at the beginning of each sentence is anaphora. It creates a sense of determination and reinforces the message.

• “I have a dream that one day… I have a dream that one day…” In Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech, the repetition of the phrase “I have a dream” at the beginning of multiple sentences emphasizes the vision and hope.
• “Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is selfless.” The repetition of the word “love” at the beginning of each sentence highlights different aspects of love.
• “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.” In this phrase, the repetition of “let it snow” creates a sense of longing or excitement for snowfall.
• “I came, I saw, I conquered.” This famous quote from Julius Caesar demonstrates anaphora with the repetition of “I” at the beginning of each phrase, emphasizing the speaker’s actions.

Anaphora helps create a strong and memorable effect in writing or speech. By repeating words or phrases, it adds emphasis, rhythm, and power to the message being conveyed. Anaphora can be used to inspire, persuade, or create a sense of unity by reinforcing key ideas or themes.

An apostrophe is a figure of speech that involves addressing or speaking to someone or something that is not present or cannot respond as if they were present and able to listen. It’s a way of giving human-like qualities or directly addressing an absent person, an inanimate object, or even an abstract concept.

To understand apostrophe, let’s look at an example. Imagine you’re looking at a beautiful sunset, and you say, “Oh, Sun, your golden rays embrace the world.” In this sentence, you are directly addressing the Sun as if it can hear you and feel its rays. This is an example of apostrophe.

• “O, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” In Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, Juliet is speaking to Romeo, who is not physically present. She is expressing her longing for him.
• “O, Death, be not proud.” In John Donne’s poem “Death, be not proud,” the poet directly addresses death and challenges its power.
• “Ocean, you mighty force, swallow my sorrows.” Here, the speaker is speaking to the ocean, personifying it as a powerful entity capable of engulfing their sorrows.
• “Hello, old friend, how I’ve missed you.” This is an example of addressing an absent friend, expressing the speaker’s sentiment of longing or nostalgia.

Apostrophe allows writers and speakers to give life and voice to non-living things or absent individuals. It adds emotional depth, expresses intense feelings, and helps create a sense of connection with the subject being addressed. Apostrophe is a powerful tool to convey emotions, explore ideas, and create a dramatic effect in literature and poetry.

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis or dramatic effect. It’s a way of making something sound much bigger, greater, or more extreme than it actually is.

To understand hyperbole, let’s look at an example. Imagine you’re really hungry, and you say, “I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse!” Now, of course, you don’t actually mean that you could eat an entire horse. By using hyperbole, you’re exaggerating your hunger to emphasize just how strong it is.

• “I’ve told you a million times!” Here, the speaker is exaggerating the number of times they have told someone something to emphasize their frustration.
• “This suitcase weighs a ton!” The speaker is exaggerating the weight of the suitcase to emphasize how heavy it feels.
• “I’m as old as the hills.” This hyperbole suggests that the speaker is very old, even though they may not be that old in reality.
• “She cried an ocean of tears.” This exaggeration emphasizes the intensity and amount of tears shed by the person.
• “I have a million things to do today.” The speaker is exaggerating the number of tasks they need to accomplish to emphasize a busy schedule.

Hyperbole helps create emphasis, adds humor, and makes a point more memorable. By using extreme exaggeration, writers and speakers can draw attention to a particular aspect or evoke strong emotions in their audience. It adds a touch of excitement and playfulness to the language.

Litotes is a figure of speech that involves expressing an idea by using understatement or negation to convey the opposite meaning. It’s a way of making a point by stating something in a negative or ironic way, rather than directly affirming it.

To understand litotes, let’s look at an example. Suppose someone asks you if you enjoyed a movie that you absolutely loved, and you respond, “Oh, it wasn’t bad.” By using litotes, you’re downplaying your true enthusiasm and expressing it indirectly. The negative statement of “wasn’t bad” actually means that you really enjoyed the movie.

• “She’s not unfamiliar with the topic.” This litotes suggests that the person is actually quite knowledgeable about the topic.
• “He’s not the friendliest person.” This understatement implies that the person is not very friendly at all.
• “It’s not a bad view from here.” This litotes implies that the view is actually quite good or impressive.
• “She’s no ordinary singer.” This statement suggests that the person is an exceptional or extraordinary singer.
• “He’s not unfamiliar with trouble.” This litotes implies that the person is frequently involved in troublesome situations.

Litotes allows writers and speakers to make a point indirectly by using a form of understatement or negation. It adds a layer of subtlety, irony, or modesty to the language, and can be used to downplay or highlight certain qualities or situations. Litotes adds depth and nuance to expressions and can be an effective way to make a statement more memorable.

Euphemism is a figure of speech that involves using mild or indirect words or phrases to replace harsh, blunt, or sensitive terms. It’s a way of softening or sugar-coating the language to convey a potentially uncomfortable or offensive idea in a more polite or socially acceptable manner.

To understand euphemism, let’s look at an example. Suppose someone is talking about a person who passed away, and instead of saying “he died,” they say “he passed away.” By using euphemism, they’re choosing a gentler phrase to talk about the sensitive topic of death.

• “She’s in a better place now.” This euphemism is often used to refer to someone who has died, suggesting that they are in a peaceful or happier state.
• “He’s let go from his job.” This euphemism is used to soften the idea of being fired or terminated from employment.
• “I’m under the weather.” This phrase is a euphemism for saying that you’re feeling sick or unwell.
• “She’s expecting.” This euphemism is used to indicate that someone is pregnant.
• “He’s a little challenged in that area.” This euphemism is used to avoid directly saying that someone is lacking in a particular skill or ability.

Euphemisms help us navigate sensitive or potentially offensive topics by using more polite or less harsh language. They allow us to convey ideas with a touch of diplomacy, respect, or cultural sensitivity. Euphemisms are widely used in social settings, formal contexts, or when discussing delicate matters. They provide a way to discuss difficult subjects while maintaining politeness and decorum.

Antithesis is a figure of speech that involves contrasting or juxtaposing two opposing ideas, words, or phrases within a sentence or paragraph. It’s a way of highlighting the stark contrast between two things to create a powerful effect or emphasize a point.

To understand antithesis, let’s look at an example. Suppose you want to describe a character who is both kind and cruel, and you say, “She was both the epitome of kindness and the embodiment of cruelty.” In this sentence, the contrasting ideas of kindness and cruelty are placed side by side, creating an antithesis. It emphasizes the stark opposition between the two qualities.

• “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” In this famous line from Charles Dickens’ novel “A Tale of Two Cities,” the contrast between the best and worst of times emphasizes the extreme nature of the era being described.
• “Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing.” This antithesis juxtaposes the idealized notion of love with the practical reality of marriage.
• “Give me liberty or give me death.” This well-known phrase by Patrick Henry highlights the choice between freedom and death, creating a powerful antithesis.
• “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” This antithesis contrasts the fallibility of human nature with the divine quality of forgiveness.

Antithesis allows writers and speakers to highlight the stark opposition between two contrasting ideas, emphasizing their differences and creating a strong impact. By placing contrasting words or phrases side by side, antithesis adds emphasis, drama, and clarity to the language. It can be used to convey deeper meaning, create memorable statements, or draw attention to the stark contrast between concepts.

A paradox is a figure of speech that involves a statement or situation that appears to be contradictory or absurd, but upon closer examination, reveals a deeper truth or logic. It’s a way of presenting a seemingly illogical or contradictory idea to provoke deeper thinking and contemplation.

To understand paradox, let’s look at an example. Imagine someone says, “I can resist anything except temptation.” At first, it may seem contradictory because resisting implies not giving in to something, while temptation suggests a strong desire to indulge. However, the paradox reveals the human struggle and the irony that resisting temptation can be particularly challenging.

• “The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.” This paradox highlights the idea that as knowledge increases, awareness of one’s own ignorance also grows.
• “I’m nobody.” This paradoxical statement suggests that by claiming to be nobody, one may actually be asserting their individuality or unique perspective.
• “This is the beginning of the end.” This paradox captures the contradictory notion that an ending can also mark the start of something new.
• “You have to be cruel to be kind.” This paradox suggests that sometimes, an act of apparent cruelty can actually be a kind or compassionate action in the long run.

Paradoxes challenge our thinking by presenting ideas that seem contradictory on the surface but contain a deeper truth or insight. They engage our minds, provoke reflection, and encourage us to question assumptions and explore complexities. Paradoxes can be found in literature, philosophy, and everyday language, and they help us grapple with the complexities of life and the inherent contradictions within our world.

An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory or opposite terms to create a new meaning or concept. It’s a way of expressing a paradoxical idea by placing contrasting words side by side.

To understand an oxymoron, let’s look at an example. Imagine someone says, “bittersweet.” The term “bitter” and “sweet” are opposites, as bitterness and sweetness are contradictory tastes. However, when used together as an oxymoron, “bittersweet” creates a unique meaning that expresses a complex blend of both positive and negative emotions.

• “Jumbo shrimp.” The word “jumbo” suggests something large, while “shrimp” refers to something small. Together, they create an oxymoron that plays on the contrasting sizes.
• “Living dead.” This oxymoron combines the idea of being alive (“living”) with the notion of being deceased (“dead”).
• “Deafening silence.” The word “deafening” suggests a loud and overwhelming sound, while “silence” refers to the absence of sound. This oxymoron creates a powerful image of a silence that is so profound it becomes almost overwhelming.
• “Cruel kindness.” This oxymoron combines the contrasting ideas of cruelty and kindness, suggesting a kind act that may have an unintended negative impact.

Oxymorons add depth, complexity, and intrigue to language. By combining contradictory terms, they create a vivid and memorable effect. Oxymorons often capture the nuances and complexities of human experiences by highlighting the coexistence of opposing elements. They challenge our expectations, provoke thought, and provide a fresh perspective on familiar concepts.

An epigram is a short and witty statement or verse that expresses a clever or insightful idea. It’s a concise and memorable way of conveying a thought, often with a touch of humor or irony.

To understand an epigram, let’s look at an example. Imagine someone saying, “I can resist everything except temptation.” This short statement by Oscar Wilde captures a clever twist on the idea of resisting temptation, highlighting the humorous struggle many people face.

• “In youth, we learn; in age, we understand.” This epigram by Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach captures the idea that as we grow older, we gain wisdom and a deeper understanding of life.
• “A little learning is a dangerous thing.” This epigram by Alexander Pope highlights the idea that having limited knowledge on a subject can be more harmful than having no knowledge at all.
• “I can resist everything but temptation.” This playful epigram by Oscar Wilde adds a humorous twist by emphasizing the difficulty of resisting temptation.
• “Honesty is the best policy, but insanity is a better defense.” This epigram plays on the idea that sometimes, unconventional or unexpected approaches can yield surprising results.

Epigrams are often used to encapsulate a complex idea concisely and cleverly. They provide a memorable way to express a thought, provoke thought, or offer a fresh perspective on a subject. Epigrams are commonly found in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations. They add a touch of wit, humor, and insight to the language, making them a powerful and engaging form of expression.

Irony is a figure of speech that involves the use of words or expressions to convey a meaning that is the opposite of their literal meaning. It is a way of using language to express a contrast between what is said and what is meant, or between what is expected to happen and what actually happens.

To understand irony, let’s look at an example. Imagine it’s raining heavily outside, and someone looks out the window and says, “What a beautiful day!” Here, the statement is ironic because the speaker’s words directly contradict the reality of the rainy weather.

There are three main types of irony:

• Verbal irony: This involves saying one thing but meaning the opposite. For example: “Oh, that’s just great. Now we’re really in trouble.” (said sarcastically when something goes wrong)
• Dramatic irony: This occurs when the audience or reader knows something that the characters in a story or play do not. For example: In the play “Romeo and Juliet,” the audience knows that Juliet is not really dead, but Romeo does not, and he kills himself in despair.
• Situational irony: This involves a situation in which the outcome is the opposite of what was expected or intended.
• A fire station burns down. This is an example of situational irony because it’s unexpected and contrary to what one would normally expect to happen.
• A dentist with bad teeth. This is an example of verbal irony because it’s a contradiction between what is said (a dentist is someone who takes care of teeth) and the situation (the dentist has bad teeth).
• A person saying “I love waking up early” when they’re known for always sleeping in. This is an example of irony because their words contradict their actions or reputation.
• A person saying “Great job!” sarcastically when someone makes a mistake. This is an example of dramatic irony because the person’s words convey the opposite of what they truly mean.

Irony adds depth and complexity to language by highlighting contradictions or unexpected outcomes. It can be used to convey humor, make a point, or create a sense of surprise. Irony often relies on context or an understanding of the situation to appreciate the contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs. It’s a powerful tool in literature, comedy, and everyday communication.

A pun is a figure of speech that involves the use of words that have multiple meanings or that sound similar to create a humorous or clever effect. It is a play on words that relies on the use of words that have more than one meaning or that sound similar to create a humorous or clever effect.

To understand a pun, let’s look at an example. Imagine someone says, “I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.” In this pun, the word “dough” has a double meaning. It can refer to the bread-making ingredient, but it is also used colloquially to mean money. The pun cleverly plays on this dual meaning to create a humorous effect.

• “I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down!” This pun relies on the double meaning of “put down” as both physically placing something down and losing interest in a book.
• “I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough bread. It wasn’t my knead.” This pun plays on the words “bread” and “knead,” using a word that sounds similar to “need” to create a humorous effect.
• “I’m glad I know sign language; it’s pretty handy.” This pun relies on the double meaning of “handy” as both having practical skills and being physically helpful.
• “Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field!” This pun uses the word “outstanding” to play on the idea of the scarecrow being exceptional in his field (the field where crops grow).

Puns are a form of wordplay that adds humor, cleverness, and wit to language. They rely on the multiple meanings, homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings), or wordplay to create a humorous or clever effect. Puns can be found in jokes, advertising slogans, literature, and everyday conversations. They’re a playful and entertaining way to engage with language and tickle our funny bones.

Metonymy is a figure of speech that involves using a word or phrase to represent something closely associated with it, but not actually part of it. It’s a way of referring to something by mentioning another word or phrase that is related to it.

To understand metonymy, let’s look at an example. Imagine someone says, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” Here, the word “pen” is used to represent writing or communication, while the word “sword” symbolizes warfare or violence. The phrase suggests that the power of words and ideas (represented by the pen) can be more influential than physical force (represented by the sword).

• “The crown” refers to a king or queen. In this case, the word “crown” is used to represent the power and authority associated with royalty.
• “The White House issued a statement.” Here, “White House” is used to represent the government or the President of the United States, as the White House is closely associated with political decision-making.
• “Let me give you a hand.” In this expression, “hand” is used to represent assistance or help, indicating a willingness to support or lend a hand.
• “The press” refers to journalists or the media. Here, the word “press” is used to represent the industry or people involved in news reporting.

Metonymy allows us to use a word or phrase closely related to something to represent or refer to it. It adds depth, symbolism, and economy to language by using associations to convey meaning. Metonymy is commonly used in literature, poetry, speeches, and everyday conversations. It provides a way to express ideas concisely and indirectly, while still being understood within the context.

Synecdoche is a figure of speech that involves using a part of something to represent the whole or using the whole to represent a part. It’s a way of referring to something by mentioning a related, but distinct, part or whole.

To understand synecdoche, let’s look at an example. Imagine someone says, “All hands on deck!” Here, the word “hands” is used to represent the whole person or the entire crew on a ship. By referring to a part (hands), the speaker is actually referring to the larger group (the crew).

• “Nice wheels!” Here, the word “wheels” is used to refer to a car. The wheels are just a part of the car, but they represent the whole vehicle.
• “The law” refers to the police or legal system. In this case, the word “law” is used to represent the entire system of rules and law enforcement.
• “He’s a hired gun.” Here, the phrase “hired gun” is used to represent a person who is hired to carry out a specific task or job. The term “gun” refers to the person as a whole.

Synecdoche allows us to use a specific part or whole to represent something larger or smaller, creating a figurative meaning. It adds richness and depth to language by using associations and connections. Synecdoche can be found in literature, poetry, speeches, and everyday conversations. It provides a way to convey meaning in a concise and evocative manner by using familiar relationships between parts and wholes.

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech that involves using words that imitate or mimic the sound associated with the object or action they describe. It’s a way of creating a connection between the word and the sound it represents, making the text more vivid and engaging for the reader or listener.

To understand onomatopoeia, let’s look at some examples. Imagine the sound of a clock ticking, and someone says, “tick-tock.” Here, the word “tick-tock” imitates the actual sound made by the clock, creating an onomatopoeic effect.

• “Buzz” represents the sound of a bee flying around.
• “Boom” imitates the sound of an explosion.
• “Hiss” imitates the sound a snake makes.
• “Splash” imitates the sound of something falling into water.

Onomatopoeic words add a sense of realism, sensory experience, and sound imagery to writing. They allow readers to imagine or hear the sounds being described more vividly. Onomatopoeia is commonly used in literature, poetry, comic books, and children’s stories. By using words that imitate sounds, writers and speakers can bring their descriptions to life and engage the senses of their audience.

Classification of Figures of Speech

Figures of speech can be classified into various categories based on the different ways they manipulate language. Here are some common classifications of figures of speech:

• Simile: Comparing two things using “like” or “as” (e.g., “She sings like an angel”).
• Metaphor: Describing something by equating it with another unrelated thing (e.g., “He’s a shining star”).
• Metonymy: Using a word or phrase to represent something closely associated with it (e.g., “The pen is mightier than the sword”).
• Synecdoche: Using a part to represent the whole or vice versa (e.g., “All hands on deck”).
• Hyperbole: Exaggerating or overstating for emphasis or effect (e.g., “I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse”).
• Litotes: Understating or expressing something by negating its opposite (e.g., “She’s not unkind”).
• Alliteration: Repeating the same sound or letter at the beginning of closely connected words (e.g., “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”).
• Assonance: Repetition of similar vowel sounds within words (e.g., “fleet feet sweep by sleeping geese”).
• Apostrophe: Directly addressing an absent person or an abstract idea as if it were present (e.g., “O, Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?”).
• Irony: Expressing something contrary to the intended meaning for humorous or dramatic effect (e.g., “The teacher said the test was easy, but it was actually very difficult”).
• Oxymoron: Combining two contradictory terms to create a new meaning (e.g., “bittersweet” or “jumbo shrimp”).
• Anaphora: Repeating the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences (e.g., “I have a dream… I have a dream…”).
• Epiphora or Epistrophe: Repeating the same word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences (e.g., “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child”).

These are just a few examples of how figures of speech can be classified. Note that some figures of speech may fall into multiple categories, and there can be variations and subcategories within each classification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of using figures of speech.

Figures of speech serve various purposes in communication. They add depth, creativity, and vividness to language, making it more engaging, memorable, and expressive. They help convey complex ideas, evoke emotions, create imagery, and enhance the overall impact of the message being communicated.

How do figures of speech enhance writing and speaking?

Figures of speech enhance writing and speaking by adding rhetorical devices and literary techniques that make the language more interesting and impactful. They capture the attention of the audience, evoke emotions, paint vivid pictures, and create a lasting impression. They make communication more persuasive, memorable, and engaging.

Can figures of speech be used in everyday conversations?

Absolutely! Figures of speech are not limited to formal writing or literature. They can be used in everyday conversations to make your speech more colorful, expressive, and engaging. Whether it’s using a simile to describe something, employing a metaphor to convey meaning, or utilizing a witty pun, figures of speech can add flair to your everyday communication.

How can one improve their use of figures of speech?

Improving the use of figures of speech involves developing a strong grasp of different types of figures of speech and their appropriate usage. Reading widely, exploring various literary works, and studying examples of figures of speech can enhance your understanding and help you recognize their applications in different contexts. Regular practice and experimentation in writing and speaking can also improve your ability to incorporate figures of speech effectively.

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figure of speech

noun phrase

Definition of figure of speech, examples of figure of speech in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'figure of speech.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1751, in the meaning defined above

Articles Related to figure of speech

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Dictionary Entries Near figure of speech

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figure of the earth

Cite this Entry

“Figure of speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figure%20of%20speech. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

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Figures of Speech: Figurative language

Figurative language in english literature (commonly used figures of speech).

Using figurative language or figures of speech goes back to ancient writings. We can find the use of figurative language in writings of Aristotle , Homer , Quintilian and Horace . They were among the first writers who theorized about the function and use of figurative language.

What is figurative language?

Figurative language is a language based on non-literal meaning of some or all of the words used. There are many types of figures of speech: The definition of figurative language contrasts with literal language, which includes only the “surface” or dictionary meanings of used words. Figurative language is usually context based language and requires the listener or reader to recognize some extra nuances, context, allusions, etc. in order to understand the second meaning. However, figurative language is commonly used by native speakers they can understand it very easily.

Figurative language is language that uses figures of speech like simile, metaphor, personification. Figurative language is a language that carries its meaning in its hidden background and reader relies on context to understand the meaning of figurative language.

The major function of figurative language is to convey the writer’s message to the readers in a comprehensible way.

Figures of speech vs Imagery

Some writers consider imagery as is a type of figurative language but this in not so. Imagery is a use of vivid and descriptive language to please the reader’s senses and commonly used to depict places, things, and emotions in such a way that it looks more appealing to the reader’s sense. William Wordsworth and ST Coleridge were best poets who depict the nature in a beautiful way to portrait the beauty of nature. They used imagery to beautify their poetry.

Commonly Used Figures of Speech: Types

To understand figurative language, first readers have to understand individual terms of figures of speech like simile, metaphor, personification, etc. There are various types of figures of speech.

The word  simile   came from the  Latin  word  similes  which means  like  or  likeness . Simile is an expression of similarity between different object. A simile compares two separate concepts, ideas things, or objects through the use of a clear connecting word such as “like” or “as.” When we place two things side by side to compare regarding some quality common to them we use simile. Comparisons words like and as , are used to compare similarity between two objects.

Common examples of simile are:

• His heart is as hard as rock.
• Can you jump like a monkey?
• He is busy as a bee.
• Ali is brave as a lion.
• Watching English film was like watching grass grow.

The word metaphor came from a  Greek  word  meta-over, phero-carry . It literally meaning are a “ carrying over ”. A metaphor is implied comparison between two things. Metaphors only makes sense when the similarities between the two objects being compared are obvious or readers comprehend the association between the two compared objects. Simile differs from metaphor; in simile, instead of stating that one object is  another object (like in metaphor), states that one thing is  as  another object. (a sense of comparison)

Common examples of metaphor are:

• Hi is a jackal, he will not accompany us in dark.
• Time is money we have to save it.
• My only son is my sunshine.
• Ali was a roaring lion during the fight, though now he is calm.

We use oxymoron to couple contradictory words to achieve or express some complex or new meanings. An oxymoron is the association or bringing together of two words or phrases having opposite meaning.

Example of oxymoron:

• Jacky is a  wisest fool  character in the drama.

Here the word  wisest fool  is an oxymoron where two opposite words are coined together to get modified meaning.

Hyperbolic language is mostly used by poets who want to elevate the value and significance of something. Hyperbole is a deliberate exaggeration of the truth, used to highlight the significance of something or sometime used to create a comic effect by exaggerating the trivial matter or something of low value. An example of a hyperbole is to say that a hill top was touching the sky. No hill top literally touches sky, but to say “hill top height was thousand meters” doesn’t effectively communicate how much height that hill top has.

Personification

Personification is the beauty tool for literature. It adds beauty to the text and appeals readers’ mood and creates more interest in reading .  In  personification ,   human traits are attributed to non-human things or to some abstract ideas.

Examples of personifications are:

“Opportunities  knock at the door but once,”

“Death  lays his icy hands on kings,”

In the above sentence, the words knock  and  lays his icy hands  are the traits of human being are attributed to abstract ideas.

Irony is a figure of speech in which the actual meaning is just the contrary of that which is literally conveyed by the language used. Irony is the reverse of what is stated. It can be a dramatic irony (in drama scene where audience know but actors doesn’t), situational irony (in physical action), or verbal irony (only in saying/ wording).

Example: In Shakespeare’s’ drama ‘Othello’ Iago is called an  honest Iago which is used in ironic sense because he not not an honest.

Idioms are the short phrases that do not carry surface meaning but they have some implied meaning set by the spoken society and have common significance in spoken language. These phrases are confusing if the reader or listener is experiencing it first time. It is difficult to guess from the context but these are learned in a culture. Idioms are non-literal turns of phrase so common that most people who speak the same language know them.

Some examples are mentioned below. ( Learn 100 common idioms )

• A hot potato

Meaning: A difficult task or something difficult to deal

Example: Learning how to drive a car is not a hot potato.

• A piece of cake

Meaning: Something that is very easy.

Example: The quiz was a piece of cake (very easy) so all the students passed it with an A grade. 

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeias are words used to imitate sounds in poetry. Usually poet use onomatopoeias in their poetry, and are frequently used to form symbolism, imagery or repetition, which often point to the theme or message of the poem.

We will quote Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Bells” in which the poet uses onomatopoeia to set up a mood of content and then fear in his poem, which gradually become more frightening as death comes nearer:

“Hear the loud alarum bells, Brazen bells! What a tale of terror, now, their turbulency tells! In the startled ear of night How they scream out their affright! Too much horrified to speak, They can only shriek, shriek, Out of tune… How they clang, and clash, and roar!”

The synecdoche word is derived from  syn-with, ekdoche-succession , literally meaning “the understanding of one thing by another”. Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a  part  of something is used to refer to its  whole or a whole to . For example,  abc  for English alphabets.

Example in a sentence:

• Kalidasa is Shakespeare of India.

The word metonymy is derived from the Greek words mate—after; onoma—a name, literally meaning substitution of name for example gray hair used for old age, throne for monarchy. In metonymy, a concept, idea or object is referred to not by its original name.

• The  pen  is mightier than the  sword .
• The word  pen  is used for  author  and the word  sword  used for  soldier .

Alliteration  

Alliterations are the figures of speech in which the initial consonant sound repeats in a group of words, such as the “h” sound in: “ How high his honour holds his haughty head ” Alliteration is used to create a musical effects in poetry. One more example of alliteration is:

• “The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, the furrow followed free”

 Assonance is the repetition of the vowel sounds in nearby words, such as the “ee” sound: “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Similar to alliteration, assonance also repeats sounds to create a musical effect in poetry.

An apostrophe is a figure of speech commonly used in literature to address directly to an inanimate object, or abstract idea.

Example in poetry:

• “ O Solitude,  where are the charms
• That sages have seen in thy face”

Pun is the way to use a word in such a sense that it gives two meanings to a word to make the people laugh,

• An ambassador is a gentleman who  lies  abroad for the good of his country.
• In above example the word  lies  is used as a pun as it has two meanings and makes a sense of fun for the readers.

Allusion is a text reference which refers that text to some other text, author, person place, or an object. It can be in both forms: explicit or implicit. “We’ve entered a Garden of Eden” is an example of allusion to the biblical place.

Symbolism is a use of a word to represent something entirely different from the actual meanings as red rose symbolizes the love.

Examples in sentence:

• By using the image of the one’s country’s flag to is used to represent patriotism and a love for one’s own country.
• Black color represents fear and death in literature.
• A chalkboard is used to represent education.
• An owl is used to represent wisdom.
• Shakespeare symbolizes the world in a world stage.

Epigram is a short pity saying expressing antithetical ideas or exciting surprise is called epigram

• The child is a father of the man.
• Art lies in concealing art.

Related Articles

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• English Grammar
• Figures Of Speech

Figures of Speech - Definition, Types and Usage with Examples

Are you as busy as a bee? Why not take some time off your busy schedule to learn how you can make your speech and writing sound and look extraordinary and engaging? There are many ways to make your language creative and interesting. One of the most effective ways to do it is to use figurative language. In this article, you will be introduced to what figures of speech are, their meaning and definition, the different types of figures of speech and how to use them effectively in sentences with examples.

Table of Contents

Definition of a Figure of Speech

Classification of figures of speech.

• How to Use a Figure of Speech in a Sentence? – Points to Remember

Examples of Figures of Speech

Frequently asked questions on figures of speech in english, what irs a figure of speech.

A figure of speech is an expression used to make a greater effect on your reader or listener. It includes making comparisons, contrasts, associations, exaggerations and constructions. It also gives a much clearer picture of what you are trying to convey.

Let us take a look at how different dictionaries define a figure of speech to have a much better idea of what it is.

A figure of speech, according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, is defined as “a word or phrase used in a different way from its usual meaning in order to create a particular mental picture or effect.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines a figure of speech as “an expression that uses words to mean something different from their ordinary meaning.” According to the Collins Dictionary, a figure of speech is “an expression or word that is used with a metaphorical rather than a literal meaning.”

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a figure of speech as “ a form of expression (such as a simile or metaphor) used to convey meaning or heighten effect often by comparing or identifying one thing with another that has a meaning or connotation familiar to the reader or listener.” According to the Macmillan Dictionary, a figure of speech is defined as “an expression in which the words are used figuratively, not in their normal literal meaning.”

Figures of Speech in English Grammar

In English grammar , there are around fifteen to twenty figures of speech. However, there are a few of them which are used more often than the others. Let us look at the most commonly used figures of speech.

• Personification
• Alliteration
• Transferred Epithet

How to Use a Figure of Speech in English? – Points to Remember

You now know that a figure of speech can make your language look and sound a lot more poetical, interesting and flamboyant. However, the challenge is not about learning the different figures of speech but knowing when, where and how to use them. You cannot use it anywhere you like. Only if it is used right and where they are appropriate and necessary, will it make your language better.

Figures of speech are not meant to provide information literally, so it is not suggested that you use figurative language in professional presentations and writings like essays. Since they do not convey literal meanings, it is very important that you learn how each figure of speech can be used. What is more important is knowing what it would mean when used in a particular part of a sentence. So, the most significant point that you have to keep in mind when using figures of speech is to employ them only if they give you the desired effect and meaning.

The figures of speech can be categorized into types based on their functions when used in sentences. Accordingly, the main categories are composed of ones that:

• Show a Relationship or Resemblance
• Show Phonetic Resemblances and Representing Sounds
• Show Emphasis or Unimportance

Showing a Relationship or Resemblance

This category includes figures of speech which are designed to make comparisons to show a relationship or some resemblances. Similes, metaphors, personification, euphemism, metonymy and synecdoche are the figures of speech used for this purpose.

Showing Phonetic Resemblances and Representing Sounds

This category of figures of speech include alliteration, assonance and onomatopoeia. The first two figures of speech are used to create an effect by using similar sounding words or words starting with the same consonant and vowel sounds, whereas onomatopoeia includes words that are used to represent sounds.

Showing Emphasis or Unimportance

The figures of speech belonging to this category are used to provide emphasis or show how important or unimportant something is. Hyperbole, antithesis, oxymoron, irony and litotes are figures of speech that can be used for this purpose.

Here are a few examples of the different figures of speech in English grammar.

• Simile – Rachel is as bright as the sun.
• Metaphor – The whole world is a stage.
• Personification – The wind whispered in my ears.
• Apostrophe – O William, you should be living now to see all this.
• Alliteration – Sally sold some seashells.
• Assonance – I seem to like your little green trees.
• Hyperbole – I am so hungry I could eat a horse.
• Oxymoron – Euthanizing their sick pet dog was considered as an act of kind cruelty.
• Epigram – The child is the father of man.
• Irony – A fire station burned down yesterday.
• Pun – Life depends upon the liver.
• Metonymy – The Bench decided that the man is guilty.
• Synecdoche – We need more hands to help us move this cupboard.
• Transferred Epithet – She had a sleepless night.

What is a figure of speech?

What is the definition of a figure of speech.

A figure of speech, according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, is defined as “a word or phrase used in a different way from its usual meaning in order to create a particular mental picture or effect.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines a figure of speech as “an expression that uses words to mean something different from their ordinary meaning.” According to the Collins Dictionary, a figure of speech is “an expression or word that is used with a metaphorical rather than a literal meaning.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a figure of speech as “ a form of expression (such as a simile or metaphor) used to convey meaning or heighten effect often by comparing or identifying one thing with another that has a meaning or connotation familiar to the reader or listener.” According to the Macmillan Dictionary, a figure of speech is defined as “an expression in which the words are used figuratively, not in their normal literal meaning.”

What are the different figures of speech in English?

Here is a list of the different figures of speech in English.

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Figures of Speech vs Literary Devices: What’s The Difference?

Welcome to this Literature tutorial on Figures of Speech vs Literary Devices. You are about to uncover the difference between these two terms once and for all. Also, get ready to find out what they share in common.

Introduction

Although the terms ‘figure of speech’ and ‘literary device’ are often used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing. In this post, you will learn the definitions and differences between figures of speech and literary devices.

I will also draw your attention to any similarities between these two terms in Literature. We will illustrate this tutorial on the difference between figures of speech and literary devices with appropriate examples.

Therefore, if you are looking for notes that will clear any confusion in your mind about the difference between a figure of speech and a literary device, you’ve just landed on the right spot.

Without any further delay, let’s get it done.

What are literary devices and figures of speech?

Literary devices and figures of speech are tools that writers use to enhance the quality of their writing to create a more engaging experience for readers.

We shall quickly define the two terms separately.

Definition of Literary Devices

Literary devices are techniques that writers employ to add style, convey meaning, create mood, or evoke certain emotions in their readers.

These include various styles of writing, narrative techniques, storytelling methods, and language choices that add depth and richness to the text.

Examples of literary devices include personification, similes, metaphors, paradoxes, symbolism, subplots, dramatic irony, plot twists and realism.

35 Narrative Techniques in Literature with Examples

Literary Devices and Figures of Speech 101: FREE PDF

Definition of Figures of Speech

Figures of speech, on the other hand, are specific types of literary devices that involve the use of language in a non-literal way to create vivid images or effects.

They are expressions where words are used to deviate from their literal meanings to achieve a special effect. This is why we often associate figures of speech with the literary technique known as imagery.

• 6 Types of Imagery in Literature

Examples of figures of speech include similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, and alliteration.

The Difference Between Figures of Speech and Literary Devices

We can now tackle the main issue of Figures of Speech vs Literary devices.

While both terms are related, the key difference lies in their scope .

Literary devices cover a broad range of techniques used in writing, including figures of speech.

Figures of speech, on the other hand, specifically refer to the intentional and artful use of language in a non-literal manner.

In other words, all figures of speech are literary devices, but not all literary devices are figures of speech.

Let’s illustrate further with examples of literary devices that may not be figures of speech.

Literary Device Examples

Here are a few examples of literary devices that are not necessarily figures of speech.

Foreshadowing

Definition: In foreshadowing, the author gives hints or clues about what will happen later in the story.

Example: In a mystery novel, the author may subtly mention a mysterious character or event early on, creating anticipation for the reader.

Definition: The narrative shifts to a scene that happened before the current time. Flashback, as a literary technique, helps provide background information to the reader.

Example: In a story, a character might have a flashback to their childhood, helping readers understand their motivations or past experiences.

Definition: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. Symbolism is a literary device that adds depth and layers of meaning to a work.

Example: A dove in literature often symbolizes peace or freedom, going beyond its literal representation as a bird.

Best 10 Examples of Symbolism in Literature

Definition: A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of art within a literary work.

Example: A character in a novel might allude to Shakespeare, adding a layer of meaning for readers familiar with his works.

Irony (Verbal, Situational, Dramatic)

Definition: A situation with a difference between appearance and reality, or between what is expected and what actually occurs.

Example: Verbal irony occurs when a character says something but means the opposite, adding a layer of humour or sarcasm.

You can get the definitions and examples of situational irony and dramatic irony in this post.

Related Posts

• Literary Devices & Figures of Speech 101 (+ PDF)
• Best 10 Examples of Symbolism in Literature (with Definition)
• 40 Easy Examples of Oxymoron in Literature
• Examples of Resolution and Denouement in Literature (with Definitions)

To Summarize: Figures of Speech vs Literary Devices

Always remember that literary devices are the broader category of tools writers use. Figures of speech constitute just a specific subset within the broader category of literary devices or techniques.

Therefore, while all figures of speech such as metaphor, personification, metonymy and alliteration are literary devices, many literary devices are not necessarily figures of speech.

These include poetic techniques such as diction and symbolism, dramatic techniques such as humour and dramatic irony and narrative techniques such as narrative hook and cliffhanger .

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Definition of Euphemism

Euphemism is a figure of speech commonly used to replace a word or phrase that is related to a concept that might make others uncomfortable. Euphemism refers to figurative language designed to replace phrasing that would otherwise be considered harsh, impolite, or unpleasant. This literary device allows for someone to say what they mean indirectly, without using literal language, as a way of softening the impact of what is being said. The reason for this would be for the sake of politeness, discretion, and other means of mitigating communication. Euphemisms are used for certain abstractions such as death, sex, aging, getting fired, bodily functions, and others.

For example, in Disney’s  The Emperor’s New Groove , the character Kuzco has decided to fire his advisor Yzma. Kuzco begins by stating directly that she is fired, without using a euphemism. However, when Yzma questions his statement, he replies with a string of euphemisms for someone losing their job:

Um, how else can I say it? You’re being let go. Your department’s being downsized. You’re part of an outplacement program. We’re going in a different direction. We’re not picking up your option. Take your pick. I got more.

This is a humorous and ironic twist on the use of euphemism in that the character uses so many to reinforce what he has already said directly.

Common Examples of Euphemism

There are many common examples of euphemism used in everyday conversation and writing. Here are some well-known uses of this figure of speech:

• porcelain throne (toilet)
• friends with benefits (friends having sex)
• pre-owned (something used)
• bun in the oven (pregnancy)
• number one (urination)
• number two (defecation)
• roll in the hay (have sex)
• see a man about a horse (go to the bathroom)
• senior (old)
• gentlemen’s club (strip club)
• economically challenged (poor)
• put to sleep (euthanize)
• between jobs (unemployed)
• upchuck (vomit)
• big-boned (overweight)
• blowing smoke (lying)
• split (divorce)
• enhanced interrogation (torture)
• well-off (rich)
• belch (burp)
• adult entertainment (pornography)
• correctional facility (prison)
• go around the bend (to go insane)
• thin on top (bald)
• had one too many (drunk)

Examples of Euphemism for Death

A very bitter phenomenon of life, death has been glossed over with several words so that its harshness and bitterness could lessen. Using euphemism to express death and dying may be a way to avoid confronting mortality or to gain some emotional distance from a sad circumstance. Here are some examples of euphemism used to express death or dying:

• Passed away
• Bought The Farm
• Kicked the bucket
• Pushing up daisies
• Resting in peace
• Met untimely demise
• Meet the maker
• Going to a better place
• Six feet under
• Sleeping with the fishes
• Eternal slumber
• Over the rainbow bridge (for pets and animals )
• Eternal rest
• Departure to heavenly abode
• Slipped away
• Breathing one’s last
• Gone to meet his Lord
• Has gone to meet his Maker
• God has called him

Euphemism For Fat

There are several euphemistic expressions used for fat persons. Some of them have been used in the sentences below.

• He is selling plus-sized undergarments.
• They are looking at real women having curves.
• She is just big-boned and nothing else.
• There is nothing wrong with him. He is just shorter than his weight.
• All of his friends are chubby fellows.
• She has become a bit plump after two years.
• Although she tries, she is not a model material.
• Why are you looking lean challenged?

Euphemisms for Propaganda

Propaganda is often glossed over with general euphemistic terms. For example, Americans often call their missions in foreign countries peacekeeping missions, while the civilians killed during skirmishes are collateral damage. Similarly, several other such terms are used to lessen the harshness of the situation such as neutralizing militants instead of killing freedom fighters’ grave mistakes instead of mistaken deadly attacks, intense competition instead of rivalry, and contain instead of threatening. Some euphemisms are specifically coined for propaganda to spread a certain perspective such as during the war times. Some of them are given below.

• The pilot has dropped bombs, causing collateral damage.
• The soldiers have neutralized the ultras.
• Most of the players are charging the opposite goalpost.
• They are in his good books these days.

Euphemism for Attraction

Some euphemisms are specifically used for attractive persons. Some of them are used in the sentences below.

• She is full of charm even though in rags.
• They are completely bewitched by her aura.
• The beguilement of guests lies in her beauty .
• The leader has such charisma that the audience were mesmerized.
• He is revealing some sort of magnetism.
• Some other such words are sexiness, personal appeal, and charm.

Euphemism for Physically Challenged

• Handicapped
• Differently-abled
• Special people
• Differently-abled person
• Out of commission
• Out of one’s feet

Euphemism in Macbeth

Some of the best euphemisms given in Macbeth are as follows.

• No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive Our bosom interest. (Act-I, Scene-III)
• Stay, you imperfect speakers . (Act I, Scene-III)
• His wonders and his praises do contend Which should be thine or his. (Act-I, Scene-III)
• According to the gift which bounteous nature Hath in him closed. (Act-III, Scene-III.)

These are some euphemisms such as “out bosom interest”, “imperfect speakers”, “wonders and praises” and “bounteous nature.”

Euphemism For Stubborn

• Single-minded
• Unflinching

Note: However, some could have negative connotations , depending on the usage and context .

Famous Examples of Euphemism

Euphemism is also found in many famous examples of movie and television quotes, drama , speeches, lyrics , and prose . Here are some famous examples of euphemism and to what they refer:

• “Perhaps we have been guilty of some terminological inexactitudes.” (Winston Churchill, not telling the exact truth)
• “The question is…are you still master of your domain?” ( Seinfeld episode about masturbation)
• “I brought juice boxes!” ( Will and Grace episode, boxes of wine)
• “Oh, fudge. Only I didn’t say fudge.” ( A Christmas Story , profane word)
• “The love shack is a little old place where we can get together.” ( Love Shack,  B52s, rendezvous place)
• “Gimme some sugar.” ( Evil Dead , kiss)
• “Oh no, she’s all there. Too much there is the problem.” ( Driving Miss Daisy , an older woman’s mental fitness)
• “I slipped my moorings.” (David Petraeus, extramarital affair)
• “Another bride, another June / Another sunny honeymoon / Another season, another reason /  For makin’ whoopee” ( Makin’ Whoopee , Ella Fitzgerald, having sex)
• “At least I’m housebroken.” ( The Big Lebowski , uses the bathroom properly)

Difference Between Euphemism and Political Correctness

Some people may have trouble distinguishing euphemism from political correctness. However, there are distinct differences between the two. For example, whereas people used to use the phrase “disabled person,” it is now considered politically correct to say “person with disabilities.” This change in phrasing is not meant to be euphemistic or an indirect way of expressing something unpleasant or undesirable. Instead, politically correct phrasing is meant to express something in a more direct and respectful way.

Political correctness differs from euphemism in that it is not a figure of speech and does not utilize figurative language. In fact, political correctness is considered avoidance, almost to an extreme, of expressions or actions that people perceive as exclusive, marginal, or insulting to others who face discrimination or disadvantage of some kind. Therefore, the purpose of politically correct phrasing is not to replace words with others that are less offensive or inflammatory. Instead, the goal of political correctness is to avoid such indirect expression altogether.

Writing Euphemism

Euphemism is a useful literary device for writers. This figure of speech allows a writer to address potentially sensitive, offensive, or unpleasant subjects in a more delicate or less damaging manner than literal words or phrasings would be. In addition, euphemisms can add to the poetic nature of writing as a means of describing something in a more figurative manner. They can also elevate a writer’s prose.

It’s important for writers to understand that overuse of euphemisms can be confusing and lose their meaning for readers. In addition, depending on the tone of a written work, euphemisms can actually be more crass, unpleasant, or offensive than direct and literal wording. Therefore, euphemisms should be carefully and appropriately selected by writers in order to be effective. Here are some benefits of incorporating euphemism into writing:

Communicate Meaning for Painful Subjects

Writers often tackle subjects that can be painful, such as death or heartbreak. Euphemism is an excellent literary device for writers, and poets, in particular, to communicate meaning when it comes to these painful subjects. Figurative language through euphemism can allow readers to feel less confronted as they might by harsh, literal wording. As a result, meaning is enhanced through the figure of speech.

Incorporate Humor for Reader

Euphemism is often inherently humorous. In attempting to replace wording or phrasing that is impolite or offensive, euphemisms can range from being unclear to nonsensical. They have no meaning as stand- alone phrases without the context of the literal abstraction. However, euphemisms can be a way for writers to incorporate the ridiculous in their writing as humor for the reader.

Use of Euphemism in Sentences  

• Our beloved teacher, Joseph has left us for his heavenly abode today morning.
• Several rebels were wiped out in the forces’ action in self-defense.
• More than two ultras were neutralized.
• Two air force fighters were involved in surgical strikes.
• His father passed away yesterday.

Examples of Euphemism in Literature

Euphemism is an effective literary device. Here are some examples of euphemism and how it adds to the significance of well-known literary works:

Example 1: The Wife of Bath’s Prologue from The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

In wyfhod I wol use myn instrument (In wifehood I will use my instrument) As frely as my Makere hath it sent. (As freely as my Maker has it sent.)

In this section of  The Canterbury Tales , the Wife of Bath uses a euphemism to refer to her sexuality as a woman. The Wife says she will use her “instrument” in wifehood, which is figurative language for her lust, physical attributes and nature, and sexual power . Chaucer’s utilization of this euphemism makes the situation less shocking due to the fact that women were meant to be pure and chaste–especially in wifehood.

Ironically, even though Chaucer uses euphemism as a literary device to avoid the Wife directly describing her “instrument” of sexual power, he invokes a sense of the divine associated with this socially impolite and scandalous assertion of female sexuality. In the second line, the Wife indicates that her “Maker,” meaning Creator, has sent this “instrument” freely. This line underscores the seemingly useless purpose of euphemism in describing something natural. In addition, it underscores the idea that a creator would not freely give someone, including a woman, an attribute that isn’t intended for use.

Example 2: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

‘What’d you do?’ I said. ‘Give her the time in Ed Banky’s goddam car?’

In this quote from Salinger’s novel , the main character Holden Caulfield is questioning one of his fellow students, Stradlater, about his date with a girl named Jane. Holden essentially grew up with Jane, and he knows that Stradlater is something of a sexual predator when it comes to girls. However, Holden can’t bring himself to directly ask Stradlater what happened on their date, and especially whether Stradlater and Jane had sex.

Therefore, Holden uses the euphemism “give her the time” to indirectly indicate what he wants to know. In addition, this euphemism is helpful as a literary device for the reader who wants to know the same information as Holden. By utilizing a euphemism rather than asking outright about the sexual encounter, both Holden and the reader can hope that Stradlater will provide an answer.

Example 3: Afterwards by Thomas Hardy

If I pass during some nocturnal blackness, mothy and warm, When the hedgehog travels furtively over the lawn, One may say, “He strove that such innocent creatures should come to no harm, But he could do little for them; and now he is gone.”

In his poem , Hardy uses two euphemisms to reference death. The poet refers to his own death by stating “If I pass” and then refers to how others might reference his death with the phrase “‘now he is gone.'” These euphemisms add to the poetic value of this stanza . For example, utilizing the word “pass” as a figure of speech rather than the literal term “die,” underscores the feeling in the poem of the passage of time in addition to the passage of the poet.

The use of “gone” as a euphemistic figure of speech reinforces the permanence of death as a lack of physical presence. However, this figurative language also suggests that though the poet is physically “gone,” he is still remembered by others. As a result, the poet lives on in the memory of others in the poem and is immortalized by the poem itself.

Synonyms of Euphemism

There are a few synonyms of euphemism but not all words express the same meanings such as polite term, mild term, indirect term, understatement , underplaying, politeness, genteelism, or coy term. None of them, however, is the exact substitute for euphemism.

Related posts:

• 10 Best Euphemism Examples in Literature
• 10 Best Euphemism Examples in Movies

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70 Figures of Speech and Their Meanings

We shouldn’t go straight to the said 70 figures of speech, and their meaning, without knowing what a figure of speech is.

What are figures of speech?

A figure of speech are words or phrases that implicate an intentional digression from the ordinary use of language, to enrich a literary work.

You are more likely to discover one, or more new figures of speech, here. As stated in the title, there are over 60 figures of speech present in this article.

I’m convinced that some of these figures will be new to you. The reason is that this article comprises both common and uncommon figures, as a result of my broad research. 

Before we go further, please do note that the examples given in this post, will not touch all of the provided figures of speech.

However, you will get their various meanings. 

 1. Metaphor 

 3. Personification

 5. Sarcasm

 6. Apostrophe

 7. Antithesis

 8. Hyperbole

 9. Paradox

10. Litotes 

11. Meiosis

12. Epigram

13. Euphemism

14. Antinomasia

15. Metonymy

16. Synecdoche 

17. Alliteration

18. Assonance

19. Onomatopoeia

20. Anthropomorphism

21. Consonance

25. Anti-Climax

26. Chiasmus

28. Metaphrase

29. Syllepsis

30. Hendiadys

31. Paraleipsis

32. Prolepsis

33. Asyron 

34. Cataphora 

35. Ellipsis

36. Dysphemism 

37. Merism 

38. Oxymoron

40. Accismus 

41. Paronomasia

42. Anapotodon 

43. Hyperbation

44. Accumulatio

45. Acutezza 

46. Acoloutha

47. Tricolon 

49. Syndeton 

50. Proverb 

51. Sentetia 

52. Parrhesia

53. Cacophony

54. Brevitas

55. Bomphiologia 

56. Aureaction 

57. Antaclasis

58. Exemplum 

59. Hyperbaton 

60. Heterosis 

61. Innuendo

63. Paroemion 

64. Merismos

65. Isocolon

66. Homophone 

67. Exergasia

69. Correctio

70. Autoclesis 

70 Figures Of Speech And Their Meanings

• METAPHOR : 

One of the most commonly used figures of speech is a metaphor. If you have not heard about it before, then you may not be able to recollect that you have used it before. Certainly, you must have used the figure of speech, Metaphor before, either consciously or unconsciously.

Definition : Precisely, Metaphor is a direct comparison of two things. 

In other words, a Metaphor could be referred to as an identity assigned to one subject by way of another.

In metaphor, one thing is been compared to another, without the use of as or like. 

Two perfect examples of Metaphor are given below:

 1.  Wizkid is our Drake.

 2.  Musa is a Tiger on the Battlefield.

In the examples above, you will notice a direct comparison of two subjects in each of the sentences, without the use of as or like. 

For instance, in the first example, we get to know that the only foreign singer that we can compare Wizkid with, is Drake. This should make you know that they have some things in common. 

Simile, as a figure of speech, helps to draw parallel, or comparison between two similar or dissimilar subjects. The comparison is done, with the use of ‘as’ or ‘like.’

Definition : The comparison of two things, with the use of ‘as,’ ‘like,’ as ‘though,’ ‘as if.’

Some examples of Simile are:

1. Ronaldo plays like Messi on the field.

2. My poem is as lengthy as your poem.

3. He acts as if he’s a novice. 

For a better understanding of Simile, let’s take a look at the poem below:-

      Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

      How I wonder what you are

      Up above the world so high

      Like a diamond in the sky

Do you observe the use of Simile, as a figure of speech in the poem? If No, then I guess you didn’t read it carefully.

The use of Simile in the poem can be found in the last line, where the word ‘like’ has been used for a direct comparison between the Star and a Diamond.

• PERSONIFICATION :

Even when we omit the word comparison, in the definition of Personification, we still can’t take away the similarity between them, Personification and Metaphor, away. 

Definition: It’s the act of attaching Human features to inanimate objects.

Whenever you attach the feature of a Human being to a non-living thing, you have to practice this figure of speech. 

A common feature between Metaphor and Personification is comparison. Although, it may not be seen in Personification, most times.

Some examples of the use of personification are:

 1. The weather is harsh.

 2. My pen is angry.

 3. The cloud is pregnant.

 4. The sun is smiling at me.

 5. The moon sees me.

For goodness sake, none of the objects above can do the things they were said to have done. 

Note that Personification is not used to tell lies. One of its functions is to beautify a literary work.

For instance, when your poem begins with the sentence:

‘I never thought my pen was gonna smile again.’ 

It will help to bring out a sharp picture of your expression. 

One is said to be ironic, when he or she says or writes one thing, but means something different.

Definition: Hence, Irony is an expression that means something opposite. 

In other words, it entails the difference between what we say and what we mean. 

We use this, to say something when in reality, we mean to say the opposite. 

This is also, one of the most commonly used figures of speech. It’s so common, that even uneducated people use it. 

For Example:

 1. The best way to avoid drinking, is to keep bad company.

 2. Dangote is so poor, that he became the richest man in Africa. 

 3. Anthony Joshua is so lazy, that he has four belts at a time. 

Read Also : The concept of literary irony  

Sarcasm is a better way to use Irony. Sarcasm is liable to wound the feeling of a character in a play/novel. 

Definition: An advanced form of verb Irony, with a scornful comment, or remark. 

 1. When something bad happens to you, and someone says, ‘This is exactly what you need!’

 2. After a long day of work, a man returns home, and says, ‘I have been working hard for years, for us to be this poor.’ 

 3. When someone steps on your shoe and you say; ‘very good, keep up the good work.’

• APOSTROPHE :

This is one of the craziest figures of speech you can employ in your literary works. 

Oftentimes, the use of an apostrophe in a play will help you get your audience touched\moved. 

Definition: Talking to someone or something that can not hear you, as if they are listening to you. 

For example:

 1. Death, where have you taken John to? 

 2. Speaking to your child who is not at home, ‘Peter, don’t stay late outside.’ 

In most cases, especially in a drama. People who lost their loved ones, use this figure of speech, to show how lost they are. 

• ANTITHESIS : 

This figure of speech is like a proverb, in the sense that wisdom is often hidden in it, with the use of opposing words/ideas. 

Definition : It’s a figure of speech, where two opposite words or ideas in the same sentence, contrast each other. 

Antithesis unlike Oxymoron, and some other figure of speech, is used to lay emphasis. 

 1.  United we stand, departed we fall. 

 2.  Many are called, but few are chosen. 

 3. Money is the root of all evil, and poverty is the fruit of all goodness.

• HYPERBOLE :

This figure of speech makes something smaller sound bigger. Hyperbole could also be referred to as exaggeration. It should be clearer to you, now, that you know it’s an exaggeration. Just that!

Definition: Hyperbole is a deliberate exaggeration. 

 1. I will die for you, If you give me your heart.

 2. Austin can empty River Jordan if he’s thirsty. 

It is impossible to do any of the things said in the examples above. In the first example, a man who wants to win the mind of a lady is promising to ‘die for her,’ if she can give him, ‘her heart.’ In reality, none of them can do any of the two things said. 

River Jordan is a very mighty river. Yet, we were told that one person’s stomach can have it all. Very impossible!

You will never get the interpretation of a paradox when you don’t pay full attention to the sentence. 

Definition: Paradox is a figure of speech, that hides the truth, from cursory lookers.

A paradox is a self-contradictory statement, who’s meaning is not noticeable.

Hence, only people who pay attention to paradoxical statements will get to know the hidden truth…

For Example, it’s paradoxical to say that:

 1. Attack is the best form of defense.

 2. I must be cruel to be kind.

You can’t defend yourself, without attacking your attacker. But because of the difference in these words, someone who does not pay attention to the sentence will see no meaning in it. 

Litotes is the opposite of Hyperbole. Rather than exaggerating, litotes understates the quality of something.

Definition : It’s a figure of speech, that negatively puts positive remarks.

Whenever your statement underrates someone or something,  you should be sure that you have to use Litotes. 

It’s also the adoption of litotes, when you make a positive sentence, negatively. 

Some examples of the use of Litotes are:

 1. Instead of saying someone is looking beautiful, you say, ‘Princess, you are not bad.’

 2. It’s no laughing matter.  

3. I must multiply them, and they shall not be few. 

Simply put, Meiosis is the synonyms [used instead] of Litotes. It could also be referred to as Litotes. 

This figure of speech is more like Paradox, Proverb, and Antithesis. A common feature Epigram has with a proverb, is the length of its words.

Definition: Epigram is a witty saying that employs both Antithesis and paradox, to convey its meaning in a contradictory manner. 

Some examples are:

 1. He who laughs last, laughs best.

 2. The child is the father of the man.

The examples above could also be a perfect example of Paradox and Antithesis. The second sentence may be difficult for you to explain. It means that when the father of the child is old, the child is the one who will take care of him. 

• EUPHEMISM :

You have euphemized, when you don’t call a bad thing, by its proper name. 

Definition: The use of a less offensive word, in substitute for an offensive\harsh word. 

 1. Grandpa has kicked the bucket. [Instead of saying she died.]

 2. Janet has been put in the family way. [Instead of saying that Janet is Pregnant.]

• ANTINOMASIA :

Antinomasia is a figure of speech derived from a Greek word, ‘Onoma,’ which means ‘a name.’ 

Definition : Antinomasia, is the replacement of a title, for a name.

In this figure of speech, somebody’s office or fame is given to another person, in the same office or fame. Sometimes, the name of well-known people is attached to other people of the corresponding status name. 

 1. Wole Soyinka is the African Shakespeare. 

 2. Kano, is the Mecca of Nigerian Muslims.

It’s more like the use of Synonyms in the English Language. 

Definition : The practice of exchanging an original word with a word related to it. 

 1. ‘Washington, D.C. ‘ in place of The United States Government.

• SYNECDOCHE :

In Synecdoche, we use a part or unit of something, to refer to the whole. 

Definition : it’s a figure of speech, that uses a part of something to refer to the whole of it.

 1. Weary feet in the walk of life.

 2. I need more hands to complete the work.

• ALLITERATION :

Alliteration is otherwise known as a beginning rhyme.

Definition : The repetition of the same consonant sounds at the beginning of each line in a verse/stanza of a poem.

 1. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled pepper.

 2. Sing a song of sixpence. 

• ASSONANCE :

Assonance is the opposite of Alliteration.

Definition: The repetition of the same vowel sounds in a line. 

Some examples of Assonance are:

 1. Hole, Goal, Role

 2. Tall loud and laugh aloud. 

• ONOMATOPOEIA :

It is easy to suggest the meaning of an Onomatopeic word, with the way it sounds. The figure of speech could also be referred to as echoic verse. 

Definition : The use of words, whose sounds help to insinuate the meaning. 

 1. Tick, tack says the clock. 

 2. The enemy’s uprising has been crunched.

• ANTHROPOMORPHISM :

Meaning : The act of giving human qualities to a non-living thing. 

If you have been reading through, from the very beginning of this article, can you recall to yourself, a figure of speech similar to this? 

Well… Personification is another figure of speech, that does the same thing Anthropomorphism does.

I will provide an example for this element, should you have forgotten. 

 1.  Rain beats me yesterday. 

• CONSONANCE :

Consonance is synonymous with Alliteration.  They both have ‘consonant sounds repetition,’ in common.

Definition: It is the agreement of consonant sounds, at the middle or the end of a line. 

 1. Don’t let the pets bite you.

Pun has the function of causing laughter in a situation. 

Definition : Pun, otherwise known as wordplay, is a comical play on words. 

For Instance:

 1. Better late than be late.

Definition : Bathos, is the act of changing suddenly, from something impressive to something foolish. 

 1. Better to be a king in Hell than to serve in Heaven.

 2. It’s better to be poor in the United States than to be poor in Nigeria. 

This common sentence:

 1. I came, I saw, and I conquered.

…Is a typical example of climax.

Hence, Climax is the organization of ideas, in an uprising/ascending format. 

It simply means, putting down an idea, from the minor to the major point. Just as you can see in the example above.

• ANTI-CLIMAX :

Yeah, it is the antonym of Climax. Instead of putting ideas in ascending order, we make them in descending order, here. 

 1. I bought a house, a bike, and a pair of shoes. 

Definition : The way of having a contrast, by the reversal of clauses. 

 1. Dangerous cult kills, killing is a dangerous cult. 

 2. Don’t pray to live, live to pray.

To eulogize means to praise.

Wole Soyinka is the world’s best English professor he’s an idol.

• METAPHRASE :

Definition : The act of changing a verse into prose, or prose into a verse. 

• SYLLEPSIS :

In Syllepsis, a word is used in two different senses, in the same sentence. 

 1. Sometimes, he takes tea, sometimes bread. 

In the example above, ‘he takes,’ works in two senses, for the tea and the bread. 

• HENDIADYS :

In Hendiadys, a single idea is illustrated by two words that are connected by a conjunction. 

 1. This article is good medicine and a solution for the identification of figures of speech.

• PARALEIPSIS :

Definition : The act of concentrating on a subject by pretending to disregard it. 

For instance, ‘I will not speak of his death.’

• PROLEPSIS :

In this figure of speech, one considers things that are yet to happen, as if they have passed.

For Instance, when a student studying hard for an examination says;

‘Having studied hard, I have got A’s in all my courses.

Acyron, is just like Irony. It’s the act of using a word, opposite to what you meant.

• CATAPHORA : 

In literature, Cataphora is the practice of using a word, to refer to the word/idea you are yet to use. 

It’s the omission of words that would make the sentence denotative.

• DYSPHEMISM :

Definition : Replacing a simple word, with a stronger one.

Definition : Merism is the combination of words for meaning beyond the usual mixture.

Definition: The side by side use of opposite words to create a sharp contrast, to catch the attention of the reader. 

For instance:

1. What a sweet sorrow?

2. Emeka cried joyfully.

An allusion is a casual reference to a figure or an event.

• PARONOMASIA :

It’s a synonym of pun. Hence, Paronomasia means playing on words. 

• ANAPOTODON :

Definition : Omitting clause for a deliberate effect.

• HYPERBATION :

Definition : Separating words that are supposed to be together.

• ACCUMULATIO :

Definition : Drawing points, into a powerful conclusion. 

Definition : Acutezza is the adoption of wordplay.

• ACOLOUTHA :

Simply put, Acoloutha is a literary term that means a mutual alteration of words.

Meaning : Tricolon is three elements improving power. 

Definition : Putting a word in the middle of another. 

Syndeton, in literature, is the use of conjunction words.

A proverb is a short witty saying that has a pearl of unquestionable wisdom.

•   SENTETIA :

Definition : Quoting wisdom to establish the fact.

• PARRHESIA :

Parrhesia may be defined as the boldness in a person’s speech. 

• CACOPHONY :

Meaning : A harsh combination of words.

Definition : A concise utterance.

• BOMPHIOLOGIA :

Bomphiologia is a boastful speech.

• AUREACTION :

The use of flamboyant words for impression purposes.

• ANTACLASIS :

Antaclasis is a common type of Pun. In Antaclasis, a word is repeated twice, to give a new meaning to the second occurrence.

1. Your argument is sound, nothing but sound.

It’s the use of examples, either imaginary or real.

• ECPHONESIS : It’s a short exclamation.
• HETEROSIS :

Meaning : It means changing the form of a verb.

Meaning : Innuendo is a devious allusion. It is a way to refer to something or someone without necessarily spelling it out; you pass intended messages in a way that listeners do the proper interpretation job. 

Definition : Recounting sounds at the end of words in a line.

• PAROEMION :

The over usage of Alliteration. 

• MERISMOS : 

Merimos is a complete illustration, or whereabouts. Wiktionary defined it as, “A metonymic term to describe a type of synecdoche in which two parts of a thing, perhaps contrasting or complementary parts, are made to stand for the whole.”

• ISOCOLON : 

Isocolon, phrases with multiple similarities.

• HOMOPHONE :

Definition : Different words that sound the same.

Here & Hear

Year & Ear 

Gun & Gone.

• EXERGASIA : 

Rewording a point in different words. 

Compression of two vowels into a longer sound. 

• CORRECTIO : 

Correction to reverse meaning. Just like what the figure appears to be.

• AUTOCLESIS : 

Bringing up an idea by hesitating to discuss it. The concept of autoclesis is not far from that of innuendo. 

Definition : Linking one word to two or more words, but appropriate to just one of the words.

For Example: 

 1. Janet took her purse, and her leave.

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Figure of Speech: Meaning & Examples from Literature & Film

Definition: A figure of speech is a rhetorical device that employs words in a non-literal, often imaginative way to convey meanings, emphasize ideas, or evoke emotions. It includes metaphors, similes, personification, and hyperbole, enhancing the expressiveness and richness of language by transcending ordinary usage.

Figures of speech are linguistic tools that enhance writing or speech by adding emphasis, clarity, or beauty.

In film, they mostly appear as part of movie titles, in the dialogue, or as part of the plot or theme.

Fx, the red and blue pills in The Matrix (1999) are a metaphor for awakening to reality versus remaining in comfortable ignorance.

Table of Contents

The different types of figures of speech.

As a literary device, figures of speech can take many forms. Here is a quick overview of each type.

For each type of figure of speech, you can click the link and see an article that gives you more insight into how it appears in film, including examples.

These figures of speech are used in literature, film, and everyday language to convey meanings more vividly and imaginatively.

Figure of Speech: A few Examples from Movies

Figures of speech appear frequently in films, often enriching dialogues, monologues, and narratives.

Here are several examples of figures of speech from movies:

In the “ Deadpool ” (2016) Red Band Trailer , Deadpool says,

“You’re probably thinking, ‘My boyfriend said this was a superhero movie, but that guy in the suit just turned that other guy into a fucking kabab!'” Deadpool

This line alludes to the typical expectations of a superhero movie, contrasting Deadpool’s violent actions with the more sanitized actions of traditional superheroes.

In “ Titanic ” (1997), the character Rose, played by Kate Winslet, ironically states, “It’s so unfair,” referring to her feeling trapped in her engagement and social class.

The irony is deeper when considering the tragic fate of the Titanic itself, juxtaposing her woes against a much larger disaster.

In The Lion King (1994) , the Pride Lands turning barren under Scar’s rule is a metaphor for how poor leadership and greed can lead to societal decay and environmental destruction.

Personification

In Disney’s “ Beauty and the Beast ” (1991), the characters Lumière (a candelabra), Cogsworth (a clock), and Mrs. Potts (a teapot) are examples of personification, as they are inanimate household objects given human traits, emotions, and the ability to speak.

In “ Forrest Gump ” (1994), Forrest says,

“Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” – Forrest Gump

This simile compares the unpredictability of life with the uncertainty of choosing a chocolate from a box without a guide.

A figure of Speech is part of a broader category of Figurative Language.

A figure of speech is part of figurative language.

Figurative language encompasses various ways of expressing ideas or thoughts in a non-literal, often more imaginative or expressive manner.

Figures of speech are specific techniques or tools (literary devices) under this broad category, including similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, etc.

The use of figures of speech in storytelling across mediums like literature and film breathes life into narratives.

Authors and filmmakers can convey complex emotions, create vivid imagery, and deepen thematic resonance by leveraging metaphors, similes, personification, and other literary devices.

Up Next: What is Iambic Pentameter?

Jan Sørup is a indie filmmaker, videographer and photographer from Denmark. He owns filmdaft.com and the Danish company Apertura, which produces video content for big companies in Denmark and Scandinavia. Jan has a background in music, has drawn webcomics, and is a former lecturer at the University of Copenhagen.

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Apostrophe Definition

What is apostrophe? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which a speaker directly addresses someone (or something) that is not present or cannot respond in reality. The entity being addressed can be an absent, dead, or imaginary person, but it can also be an inanimate object (like stars or the ocean), an abstract idea (like love or fate), or a being (such as a Muse or god).

Some additional key details about apostrophe:

• Apostrophe, the figure of speech, should not be confused with apostrophe, the punctuation mark.
• The word "apostrophe," which comes from ancient Greek, literally means "turning away," because to perform apostrophe on stage, an actor turns away from the scene to address an absent entity.
• An apostrophe is often introduced by the exclamation "O," as when Juliet cries out: "O Romeo, Romeo, Wherefore art thou Romeo?"
• Apostrophe appears most often in poetry and plays, though it can appear in prose literature as well.
• Apostrophe always addresses its object in the second person. Sometimes this address involves the word "you" or the more formal "thou." Other times the "you" is not included, as when the narrator of Herman Melville's story Bartleby, the Scrivener ends his tale with the despairing apostrophe: "Ah, Bartleby! Ah, humanity!"

Apostrophe Pronunciation

Here's how to pronounce apostrophe: uh- poss -truh-fee

Apostrophe and Personification

Apostrophe often involves the speaker or writer addressing an inanimate object or abstract idea. In doing so, the speaker or writer will often impart to the object human characteristics. The object, in other words, gets personified . Take these two lines from William Wordsworth's "Prelude":

There was a Boy: ye knew him well, ye cliffs And islands of Winander!

Here, in addition to performing an apostrophe in which the speaker addresses the cliffs and islands, Wordsworth personifies those cliffs and islands by imagining them as capable of knowing someone.

However, though apostrophe often involves personification of inanimate objects or abstract ideas, it certainly doesn't always . For instance, in the example below from the end of James Joyce's novel A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man , Joyce has his main character Stephen Dedalus address "Life," but without ascribing any human qualities to it:

Amen. So be it. Welcome, O life! I go to encounter for the millionth time the reality of experience and to forge in the smithy of my soul the uncreated conscience of my race.

Here Stephen simply addresses life as it is, as something to be experienced, and not as something that itself has experiences, or feelings, or acts in any other way like a human.

Scholarly Debates About Apostrophe

It's worth knowing that there is some debate among scholars about exactly what does and doesn't count as apostrophe. These debates, like lots of scholarly debates, can be a bit technical. But knowing the basics of the debates can help you understand apostrophe, and can also help you understand why some definitions of apostrophe on the Internet seem to define it in different ways.

Apostrophe and "Aversion"

Though everyone agrees that apostrophe is a form of address to a silent listener, some scholars insist that apostrophe must involve what they call an "aversion," a turning away from an original audience to then address the subject of the apostrophe. This way of thinking about apostrophe is based in theater, where a character onstage would literally turn away from the other characters when issuing an apostrophe. For example, in the induction of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew , the Lord is speaking to his huntsmen then suddenly he breaks off to exclaim:

"Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image!"

Most scholars, though, define apostrophe more broadly as being any "exclamation," or impassioned outcry, in which a speaker directly addresses an absent or silent object directly. For instance, many poems that address people or inanimate objects begin and end with their subject—they don't turn to their subject from something else, because they only ever address that one subject. Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Ode to the West Wind" is an example: it begins with the line: "O wild West Wind, thou breath of Autumn's being!" and then continues to address the West Wind for the entirety of the 70 line poem.

Authorial Intrusion vs. Apostrophe

There is also some debate about whether all direct addresses from a writer to that writer's audience, sometimes known as "authorial intrusion," counts as a form of apostrophe. For instance, the novel Jane Eyre famously ends with a line in which Jane, who has narrated the entire story, suddenly directly addresses her audience to say: "Reader, I married him."

However, while the speaker (Jane) is here breaking off from her narration to directly address the reader, most scholars agree that this sort of authorial intrusion is not apostrophe. The reason is that apostrophe does not only address itself to a silent or absent entity—it must address a specific entity. Beaudelaire's poem "To The Reader" may therefore be considered an example of apostrophe, because Beaudelaire describes the reader and makes him come to life, addressing him directly at the end:

There's one more damned than all. He never gambols, Nor crawls, nor roars, but, from the rest withdrawn, Gladly of this whole earth would make a shambles And swallow up existence with a yawn... Boredom! He smokes his hookah, while he dreams Of gibbets, weeping tears he cannot smother. You know this dainty monster, too, it seems — Hypocrite reader! — You! — My twin! — My brother!

Apostrophe in Elegies, Odes, and Other Poetic Forms

A number of poetic forms are closely associated with apostrophes, such that these sorts of poems, more often than not, contain apostrophe. Elegy and ode , two common poetic forms both make frequent use of apostrophe. An elegy, a poem written to commemorate a person who has died, sometimes addresses that person directly, or laments the death to other people, to nature, or to god. In "Elegy for Jane," Roethke addresses Jane directly in the last stanza:

If only I could nudge you from this sleep My maimed darling, my skittery pigeon.

An ode, like an elegy, usually praises and describes its subject, as in Keats' "Ode to a Nightingale," in which he addresses his subject directly, from his opening line:

Thou wast not made for death, immortal Bird!

In addition, poems that contain an envoi , a short concluding stanza found particularly in ballades and sestinas , often contain apostrophe. The envoi regularly (though certainly not always) serves as a dedication to a patron, beloved, or muse, and these dedications often take the form of an apostrophe.

Apostrophe Examples

Examples of apostrophe in literature.

Apostrophe is found throughout literature: it appears in poetry, prose, and drama, and across all eras from ancient Greek epic poetry through modern times.

Apostrophe in The Odyssey

One of the earliest and most famous examples of apostrophe in literature comes from Homer, who begins both The Iliad and The Odyssey with an invocation of the Muse. The Odyssey begins with the following lines, which ask the Muse, a goddess of the arts, to help the author in his work:

Sing in me, Muse, and through me tell the story of that man skilled in all ways of contending, the wanderer, harried for years on end, after he plundered the stronghold on the proud height of Troy.

Apostrophe in Shakespeare's Macbeth

Apostrophe pops up all over the place in Shakespeare, as his characters often address abstract ideas or inanimate objects while onstage. In Macbeth , while Macbeth is struggling with whether to follow through with a planned murder, he sees an apparition of a dagger and addresses it:

Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible To feeling as to sight?

Apostrophe in Keats' "Ode on a Grecian Urn"

The works of Romantic poets of the nineteenth century, who were steeped in Greek poetry and myth, are also filled with apostrophe. Several of John Keats' odes, in particular, address their subjects directly. In "Ode on a Grecian Urn," Keats speaks to a beautiful ancient vase, addressing it as a bride, a child, and a historian, and also as a kind of Muse, who, if it could speak, would write more eloquently than Keats himself:

Thou still unravish'd bride of quietness, Thou foster-child of silence and slow time, Sylvan historian, who canst thus express A flowery tale more sweetly than our rhyme

Apostrophe in Woolf's The Waves

The modernist writer Virginia Woolf, who wrote in the early 20th century, also regularly used apostrophe in as part of the "stream of consciousness" that she often created for her characters. Here, in Woolf's The Waves, one character, Rhoda, cries out in anger to "human beings":

What dissolution of the soul you demanded in order to get through one day, what lies, bowings, scrapings, fluency and servility! How you chained me to one spot, one hour, one chair, and sat yourselves down opposite!

Examples of Apostrophe in Song Lyrics

Many different genres of music make use of apostrophe, as it creates a direct emotional attachment between the singer and his or her subject.

Apostrophe in "Do You Remember Walter?" by the Kinks

Here are the Kinks, a pop band, singing to an old friend:

Walter, remember when the world was young and all the girls knew Walter's name? Walter, isn't it a shame the way our little world has changed. Do you remember Walter playing cricket in the thunder and the rain? Do you remember Walter smoking cigarettes behind your garden gate? Yes, Walter was my mate. But Walter, my old friend, where are you now?

Apostrophe in "I'll Be Missing You" by Puffy

Here is the rapper Sean Combs, known as Puffy, in "I'll Be Missing You," an elegy for his friend Biggie Smalls:

I saw your son today, he look just like you You was the greatest, you'll always be the greatest I miss you B.I.G Can't wait til that day, when I see your face again

Apostrophe in "The Banks O' Doon" by Robert Burns

In an old Scottish folk song whose lyrics were composed by Robert Burns, the speaker addresses a river called Doon:

Ye banks and braes o' bonnie Doon How ye can bloom so fresh and fair How can ye chant ye little birds And I sae weary fu' o' care

Apostrophe in "Princess Leia" by Blink 182

Here the punk band Blink 182 sings to a girl, who seems to be more of a fantasy girl than a real person, and whom they call Princess Leia:

Princess Leia, where are you tonight? And who's laying there by your side? Every night I fall asleep with you And I wake up alone

Why Do Writers Use Apostrophe?

Apostrophe is used primarily to express strong emotion (like love, hate, fear, or anger), but it allows the speaker or writer to do so by directly addressing the subject of their thoughts or feelings, which makes the expression less abstract. Speakers or characters may use apostrophe to make an impassioned plea or prayer, to celebrate a happy occasion, or to lament a loss. The device creates a heightened emotional atmosphere in a literary work, often forming a peak in a given scene.

Apostrophe can also serve a similar purpose as monologue or soliloquy , which gives deeper insight into a character's thoughts and feelings, and can also reveal a character's inner conflict. The sincerity and directness that is inherent in apostrophe's second person address can give a reader a sense of intimacy with the character, and can help to establish an empathetic relationship between the speaker/writer and the audience.

Other Helpful Apostrophe Resources

• The Wikipedia entry on apostrophe: on apostrophe: short and sweet, with a bunch of good examples.
• A dictionary definition of apostrophe : This definition covers both the punctuation mark and the figure of speech. It also provides a brief etymology of the word.
• Macbeth's apostrophe to the dagger: Macbeth, played by Patrick Stewart, addresses his vision of a dagger.

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