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Figure of speech

 

Figures of speech" redirects here. For the hip hop group, see Figures of Speech.


A figure of speech or rhetorical figure is a word or phrase that entails an intentional deviation from ordinary language use in order to produce a rhetorical effect.[1] Figures of speech are traditionally classified into schemes, which vary the ordinary sequence or pattern of words, and tropes, where words are made to carry a meaning other than what they ordinarily signify.

An example of a scheme is a polysyndeton, the repeating of a conjunction before every element in a list, whereas the conjunction typically would appear only before the last element, as in "Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!"—emphasizing the danger and number of animals more than the prosaic wording with only the second "and". An example of a trope is a metaphor, describing one thing as something that it clearly is not, in order to lead the mind to compare them, in "All the world's a stage."


Types of Figures of Speech

The term figure of speech covers a wide range of literary devices, techniques, and other forms of figurative language, a few of which include:

Common Examples of Figures of Speech Used in Conversation

Many people use figures of speech in conversation as a way of clarifying or emphasizing what they mean. Here are some common examples of conversational figures of speech:

Hyperbole

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that utilizes extreme exaggeration to emphasize a certain quality or feature.

  • I have a million things to do.
  • This suitcase weighs a ton.
  • This room is an ice-box.
  • I’ll die if he doesn’t ask me on a date.
  • I’m too poor to pay attention.

Understatement

Understatement is a figure of speech that invokes less emotion than would be expected in reaction to something. This downplaying of reaction is a surprise for the reader and generally has the effect of showing irony.

  • I heard she has cancer, but it’s not a big deal.
  • Joe got his dream job, so that’s not too bad.
  • Sue won the lottery, so she’s a bit excited.
  • That condemned house just needs a coat of paint.
  • The hurricane brought a couple of rain showers with it.

Paradox

A paradox is a figure of speech that appears to be self-contradictory but actually reveals something truthful.

  • You have to spend money to save it.
  • What I’ve learned is that I know nothing.
  • You have to be cruel to be kind.
  • Things get worse before they get better.
  • The only rule is to ignore all rules.

Pun

A pun is a figure of speech that contains a “play” on words, such as using words that mean one thing to mean something else or words that sound alike in as a means of changing meaning.

  • A sleeping bull is called a bull-dozer.
  • Baseball players eat on home plates.
  • Polar bears vote at the North Poll.
  • Fish are smart because they travel in schools.
  • One bear told another that life without them would be grizzly.

Oxymoron

An oxymoron is a figure of speech that connects two opposing ideas, usually in two-word phrases, to create a contradictory effect.

  • open secret
  • Alone together
  • true lies
  • controlled chaos
  • pretty ugly

Common Examples of Figure of Speech in Writing

Writers also use figures of speech in their work as a means of description or developing meaning. Here are some common examples of figures of speech used in writing:

Simile

Simile is a figure of speech in which two dissimilar things are compared to each other using the terms “like” or “as.”

  • She’s as pretty as a picture.
  • I’m pleased as punch.
  • He’s strong like an ox.
  • You are sly like a fox.
  • I’m happy as a clam.

Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things without the use of the terms “like” or “as.”

  • He is a fish out of water.
  • She is a star in the sky.
  • My grandchildren are the flowers of my garden.
  • That story is music to my ears.
  • Your words are a broken record.

Euphemism

Euphemism is a figure of speech that refers to figurative language designed to replace words or phrases that would otherwise be considered harsh, impolite, or unpleasant.

  • Last night, Joe’s grandfather passed away (died).
  • She was starting to feel over the hill (old).
  • Young adults are curious about the birds and bees (sex).
  • I need to powder my nose (go to the bathroom).
  • Our company has decided to let you go (fire you).

Personification

Personification is a figure of speech that attributes human characteristics to something that is not human.

  • I heard the wind whistling.
  • The water danced across my window.
  • My dog is telling me to start dinner.
  • The moon is smiling at me.
  • Her alarm hummed in the background.

Writing Figure of Speech

As a literary device, figures of speech enhance the meaning of written and spoken words. In oral communication, figures of speech can clarify, enhance description, and create interesting use of language. In writing, when figures of speech are used effectively, these devices enhance the writer’s ability for description and expression so that readers have a better understanding of what is being conveyed.

It’s important that writers construct effective figures of speech so that the meaning is not lost for the reader. In other words, simple rearrangement or juxtaposition of words is not effective in the way that deliberate wording and phrasing are. For example, the hyperbole “I could eat a horse” is effective in showing great hunger by using figurative language. If a writer tried the hyperbole “I could eat a barn made of licorice,” the figurative language is ineffective and the meaning would be lost for most readers.

Here are some ways that writers benefit from incorporating figures of speech into their work:

Figure of Speech as Artistic Use of Language

Effective use of figures of speech is one of the greatest demonstrations of artistic use of language. Being able to create poetic meaning, comparisons, and expressions with these literary devices is how writers form art with words.

Figure of Speech as Entertainment for Reader

Effective figures of speech often elevate the entertainment value of a literary work for the reader. Many figures of speech invoke humor or provide a sense of irony in ways that literal expressions do not. This can create a greater sense of engagement for the reader when it comes to a literary work.

Figure of Speech as Memorable Experience for Reader

By using effective figures of speech to enhance description and meaning, writers make their works more memorable for readers as an experience. Writers can often share a difficult truth or convey a particular concept through figurative language so that the reader has a greater understanding of the material and one that lasts in memory.


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