• 1. Alliteration

  • 2. Anaphora

  • 3. Antithesis

  • 4. Apostrophe

  • 5. Assonance

  • 6. Chiasmus

  • 7. Euphemism

  • 8. Hyperbole

  • 9. Irony

  • 10. Litotes

  • 11. Metaphor

  • 12. Metonymy

  • 13. Oxymoron

  • 14. Parallelism

  • 15. Personification

  • 16. Pun

  • 17. Simile

  • 18. Synecdoche

  • Conclusion

Home > Rhetoric > Figures of Speech Explained: Definitions & Examples

Figures of Speech Explained: Definitions & Examples

Figures of speech are creative language devices that enhance communication by adding color and depth to words and ideas. They can be used to express something in a non-literal, imaginative, or vivid way.

For example, saying “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” uses a figure of speech called hyperbole to express extreme hunger, even though it’s not meant to be taken literally.

Using figures of speech can make your writing more creative. Understanding them can also help you understand more complex texts.

In this post, we’ll explore the most common figures of speech.

1. Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound at the beginning of a series of words.

Writers use it to create rhythm, emphasize certain words, or make their writing more memorable. (Think of catchy advertising slogans.)

Example

“She sells sea shells on the sea shore” (a tongue-twister that’s hard to say because of the repeated “s” and “sh” sounds)

2. Anaphora

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences to create emphasis or build rhythm.

Example

"Every breath you take, every move you make, every bond you break, every step you take, I’ll be watching you." (The Police)

Here, the word “every” is used to emphasize the singer’s constant observation.

3. Antithesis

Antithesis is when contrasting ideas are placed side by side in a sentence to create a sense of balance and highlight differences.

Example

"That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." (Neil Armstrong)

In this example, the contrast between “small step” and “giant leap” highlights the significance of the moon landing.

4. Apostrophe

An apostrophe is when you address someone or something that isn’t present as if they were there and could respond.

Writers use it to express strong emotions or create a sense of drama.

Note: This figure of speech is different from the punctuation mark of the same name.

Example

"Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are." (English nursery rhyme)

The speaker addresses a star as if it could hear and respond.

5. Assonance

Assonance is the repetition of the same vowel sound in nearby words to create rhythm, melodious effect, or emphasis.

Example

"Hear the mellow wedding bells." (Edgar Allan Poe)

The repetition of the “e” sound creates a musical quality in the line.

6. Chiasmus

Chiasmus is when words or concepts are repeated in reverse order.

Example

"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." (John F. Kennedy)

Here, the order of ideas is reversed in the second half of the sentence for emphasis.

7. Euphemism

Euphemism is when you replace a direct or harsh expression with a more gentle or indirect one.

Writers use it to soften the impact of their speech.

Example:

"She’s in a better place now."

Instead of saying someone has died, euphemistic language makes it sound more comforting.

8. Hyperbole

Hyperbole is a deliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or to create a dramatic effect.

Example

"I’ve told you a million times."

Here, the speaker uses hyperbole to emphasize their frustration.

9. Irony

Irony is when the opposite of what is expected happens, or when someone says something but means the opposite. It’s often used to create humor or highlight contradictions.

Example

"Oh great! Now I’ve done it! I really didn’t see that coming."

The use of sarcasm in this statement highlights the irony of making an obvious mistake or experiencing unexpected consequences.

10. Litotes

Litotes is when you use understatement by negating the opposite of what you mean.

Example

"She’s not bad at singing."

Instead of saying she’s a good singer, the speaker uses litotes to downplay her talent.

11. Metaphor

A metaphor is a comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”

Writers use it to create vivid images or make abstract ideas more concrete.

Example

"Time is a thief."

Here, time is compared to a thief to emphasize how quickly it seems to pass.

12. Metonymy

Metonymy is when you use a related term to stand in for the thing that’s actually being discussed.

Example

"The pen is mightier than the sword."

Here, “pen” stands for writing or communication, and “sword” stands for military force.

13. Oxymoron

An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms.

Writers use it to create a paradox or highlight contradictions.

Example

"Bittersweet"

This oxymoron combines the contradictory ideas of “bitter” and “sweet” to describe something that has both positive and negative aspects.

14. Parallelism

Parallelism is when a writer uses similar grammatical structures in a series of words, phrases, or sentences to create rhythm or emphasis.

Example

"I came, I saw, I conquered." (Julius Caesar)

The repetition of the subject-verb structure in each clause creates a sense of balance and rhythm.

15. Personification

Personification is when you give human qualities or characteristics to non-human things.

Example

"The wind whispered through the trees."

Here, the wind is given the human ability to whisper.

16. Pun

A pun is a play on words that exploits multiple meanings or similar sounds to create humor.

Example

"I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough."

The pun here plays on the double meaning of “dough” as both a bakery product and slang for money.

17. Simile

A simile is a comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.”

Writers use it to create vivid images or make their writing more relatable.

Example

"He’s as brave as a lion."

Here, the person’s bravery is compared to that of a lion.

18. Synecdoche

Synecdoche is when you use a part to represent the whole, or the whole to represent a part.

Example

"All hands on deck."

Here, “hands” is used to represent sailors or crew members.

Conclusion

Understanding figures of speech can help you convey your message more effectively and persuasively.

Use this knowledge to enhance your communication skills and recognize these patterns in everything you read.

Keep practicing to master your use of figures of speech.

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