Figures of speech
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This document defines and provides examples of various figures of speech. It discusses simile, metaphor, personification, apostrophe, hyperbole, euphemism, antithesis, epigram, irony, metonymy, synecdoche, interrogation, and exclamation. For each figure of speech, it provides a definition and 1-3 examples to illustrate how that figure is used.
Figures of speech
- 2. Definition Figure of speech is a departure from the ordinary form of expression or the ordinary course of ideas in order to produce a greater effect.
- 3. Figures of Speech Simile Metaphor Personification Apostrophe Hyperbole Euphemism Antithesis Epigram Irony Metonymy Synecdoche Interrogation Exclamation
- 4. SIMILE In a simile a comparison is made between two objects of different kinds which have however at least one point in common. Simile is usually introduced by the words “like”, “as” etc EXAMPLE: The righteous shall flourish as the palm tree. O my love’s like a red, red rose. As proud as a peacock. As cool as a cucumber.
- 5. METAPHOR A metaphor is an implied simile. It does not, like a simile, state that one thing is like another or acts as another, but takes that for granted and proceeds as if the two things were one. EXAMPLE: The camel is the ship of the desert.
- 6. Every simile can be compressed into a metaphor and every metaphor can be expanded into a simile. EXAMPLES: Simile compressed into metaphor: He fought like a lion in the fight. (Simile) He was lion in the fight. (Metaphor) Metaphor is expanded into simile: The camel is the ship of the desert.(Metaphor) As a ship is used for crossing the ocean, so the camel is used for crossing the desert.( simile).
- 7. PERSONIFICATION In personification inanimate objects and abstract notions are spoken of as having life and intelligence. EXAMPLES: Laughter was holding both her sides. Death lays his icy hand on kings.
- 8. APOSTROPHE An apostrophe is a direct address to the dead, to the absent or to a personified object or idea.. This is a special form of personification EXAMPLES: O comfort! I know not which way I must look for you. O death! Where is thy sting? O grave! Where is thy victory? O liberty, What crimes have been committed in thy name?
- 9. HYPERBOLE In hyperbole, a statement is made emphatic by overstatement or exaggeration. EXAMPLES: Here’s the smell of blood still; all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. If the rivers were dry, I am able to fill it with tears. I love Ophelia; forty thousand brothers Could not with all their quantity of love make up the sum.
- 10. EUPHEMISM Euphemism consists in the description of a disagreeable thing by an agreeable name. EXAMPLES: he has fallen asleep. (i.e. he is dead) You are telling me a fairy tale. (i.e. a lie)
- 11. ANTITHESIS In antithesis, a striking opposition or contrast of words or sentiments is made in the same sentence. It is employed to secure emphasis. EXAMPLES: Man proposes, God disposes. To err is human, to forgive divine. Speech is a silvern, but silence is golden. He had his jest and they had his estate.
- 12. EPIGRAM An epigram is a brief pointed saying frequently introducing antithetical ideas which excite surprise and arrest attention. EXAMPLES: An art lies in concealing art. The child is the father of the man. A man can’t be too careful in the choice of his enemies.
- 13. IRONY Irony is a mode of speech in which the real meaning is exactly the opposite of that what is literally conveyed. EXAMPLES: No doubt but ye are the people and wisdom shall die with you.
- 14. METONYMY In metonymy (literally, a change of name) an object is designated by the name of something which is generally associated with it. EXAMPLES: The bench , for the judges The laurel, for success The crown, for the kings.
- 15. Continued…. Since there are many kinds of association between objects, there are several varities of metonymy. The sign for the person or the thing symbolized as; You must address the chair. (the chairman) From the cradle to the grave. (from infancy to death)
- 16. The container for the thing contained. EXAMPLES: The kettle boils. The whole city went to see the victorious general.
- 17. The instrument for the agent. EXAMPLE: The pen is mightier than the sword. The author for his works. EXAMPLE: We are reading Milton. Did u learn Shakespeare in your school.
- 18. SYNECDOCHE In synecdoche, a part is used to designate the whole and a whole is used to designate the part. a) a part is used to designate the whole. EXAMPLES: Give us this day our daily bread. (food) Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
- 19. b) Whole is used to designate a part. EXAMPLE: England (England cricket team) has won the match.
- 20. INTERROGATION Interrogation is the asking of a question not for the sake of getting an answer but to put a point more effectively. It is also known as Rhetorical Question because a question is asked for the sake of rhetorical (symbolic) effect. EXAMPLES: This is my own, my native land? Who is here so vile that will not love his country?
- 21. EXCLAMATION In this figure, an exclamatory form is used to draw greater attention to a point than a mere bald statement. EXAMPLES: What a piece of work is man!