Figures of speech are the poetic/ imaginative linguistic devices that go beyond literal interpretations to enhance the interest of writing and conversation. They purposefully deviate from everyday language in order to emphasize points, arouse feelings, and invoke up vivid images in the mind. They enhance meaning and make language more of poetic style.
- Simile:
It involves comparing two dissimilar things using the words “like” or “as” to refer a common quality between them.
Examples:
- Her laughter was like music, filling the room with joy.
- The clouds drifted across the sky as softly as a painter’s brushstroke.
- The old man’s wisdom was as deep as the roots of an ancient tree.
2. Metaphor:
It directly refers to one thing by mentioning another, declaring that they are similar in some way. However, unlike a simile, it doesn’t use “like” or “as.”
Examples:
- Time is a thief, stealing moments from our grasp.
- The world is a stage, and we are all actors playing our roles.
- His words were a dagger, cutting through the silence with precision.
3. Alliteration:
Definition: These have words with sounds that are repeating in close proximity.
Examples:
- “She sells seashells by the seashore.”
- “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
- “The big brown bear bounded across the bridge.”
4. Antithesis:
Definition: These are introducing words with opposite ideas next to each other for contrast.
Examples:
- “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
- “Man proposes, God disposes.”
- “Love is an ideal, marriage is a real.”
5. Apostrophe:
Definition: These are used to address someone or something absent or that is unable to respond.
Examples:
- “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?”
- “Twinkle, twinkle, little star.”
- “Oh, Death, where is thy sting?”
6. Circumlocution:
Definition: These are the wordy descriptions or talking in circles.
Examples:
- “He Who Must Not Be Named.”
- “The big yellow fruit that monkeys love to eat.”
- “She took the long way around to explain her point.”
7. Epigram
Epigram:
Definition: These are a the clever and memorable statement.
Examples:
- “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
- “The early bird catches the worm.”
- “Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.”
8. Euphemism
Definition: These are used as subtle language to discuss sensitive topics.
Examples:
- Instead of saying someone died, we use phrases like “passed away” or “no longer with us.”
- “He’s in a better place now.”
- “She’s expecting a bundle of joy.”
9. Hyperbole:
Definition: These are the deliberate exaggeration of something for emphasis.
Examples:
- “If I don’t eat soon, I’m going to die of hunger.”
- “I’ve told you a million times!”
- “His backpack weighs a ton.”
10. Irony:
Definition: These are the situations that challenge expectations i,e opposite of what is expected from.
Examples:
- “The fire station burned down.”
- “I posted a video on how to avoid procrastination… next week.”
- “The traffic cop got a speeding ticket.”
11. Metonymy:
Definition: These are using a related word or a phrase to represent a larger concept.
Examples:
- “The crown issued a decree.”
- “The White House made an announcement.”
- “The pen is mightier than the sword.”
12. Oxymoron:
Definition: These are combining the contradictory or opposing terms for special effect.
Examples:
- “Bittersweet” (combining bitter and sweet emotions).
- “Jumbo shrimp” (jumbo and shrimp have opposite meanings).
- “Deafening silence” (silence is usually quiet, but here it’s emphasized.)
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Dr. Ganesh Visavale 