Teacher MarFigures of Speech
FIGURES OF SPEECH
A figure of speech (also called figurative speech) is a word or group of words that contains images. Through the expressive use of language, such figure of speech can breathe into life into an otherwise interesting written work. A figure of speech helps create clear and vivid images. Words are not used literally but are instead used to suggest an image or a comparison.
The most commonly used figures of speech are metaphor, personification, and simile. Here's a list of the different figures of speech in English.
METAPHOR
A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or group of words is applied to an object or action that it does not literally stand for in order to imply a resemblance. Simple metaphors make simple comparisons, while extended metaphors treat different aspects of the things compared separately.PERSONIFICATION
Examples:
> She was a flower with the company of her brothers. (Simple)
> She was a flower. Her rosy cheeks were petals; her green eyes were the leaves. (Extended)
Personification is a figure of speech in which an animal or inanimate object is represented as having human attributes, such as human form, character, feelings, or behavior. Ideas and abstractions can also be personified.SIMILE
Examples:
> Money talks.
> The wind moaned and screeched.
> Wisdom cries aloud in the streets; in the markets she raised her voice.
A simile is the comparison of two unlike things. It uses the words "like" or "as". In the example, "Andrew is as brave as a lion," Andrew is shown to be possessing the same characteristics as a lion, that is, he is fierce, strong and brave.CLICHE
Examples:
> He eats like a pig.
> She is as stubborn as a mule.
A cliche is a phrase, often metaphorical, that has been used so often that it has become commonplace. When an expression is called a cliche, it is considered to have become so dull that it no longer creates the vivid image that well-written figure of speech ought to evoke.HYPERBOLE
Examples:
> as cold as ice
> as light as a feather
> as strong as a truck
A hyperbole is a deliberate exaggeration or overstatement used for effect. Such statements are not really true, but people make them to sound impressive or emphasize something.IRONY
Examples:
> His feet were as big as a barge.
> I nearly died laughing.
Irony is a means of expression that suggests, humorously or angrily, the opposite meaning of what the words used normally mean.OXYMORON
Example:
> Her voice heavy with irony, Delia said, "I'm so glad you lost my calculator, Daniel."
(This means that she isn't glad that he lost her calculator.)
An oxymoron is a figure of speech combining incongruous or contradictory words, usually for descriptive purposes. The following are examples of oxymorons:
Examples:
> a little big
> friendly competitor
> alone together
> living death
> cruel kindness