A figure of speech is a word or phrase which is used to create a effect in a non-literal way. This effect may be rhetorical*( art of speaking or writing effectively). The deliberate arrangement is words is made to achieve something poetic and imagery as in the use of language suggests a visual picture and make the idea more vivid.
1. Hyperbole : A figure of speech that utilizes extreme exaggeration to emphasize a certain quality or feature.
example : This room is an ice-box.
I have a million things to do.
This suitcase weighs a ton.
2. Understatement : understatement is a figure of speech that invokes less emotion that 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.
example : Joe got his dream job, that's not too bad.
I heard she has cancer, but it's not a big deal.
That condemned house just needs a coat of paint.
3. Paradox : A paradox is a figure of speech that appears to be self-contradictory but actually revelas something truthful.
example : You have to spend money to save it.
What I've learnt is that I know nothing.
Things get worse before they get better.
4. Oxymoron : connects two opposite ideas, usually in two-word phrases. to create a contradictory effect.
example : open secret
climb down
Alone together
bitter sweet
true lies
controlled chaos
5. Simile : two different things are compared to each other by using 'as' or 'like'.
example : she is as pretty as the picture.
I am pleased as punch.
She is like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
She is as pretty as Marylyn Monroe.
6. Metaphor : comparison of two different things without using 'as' or 'like'.
example : She is a star in the sky.
My grandchildren are flowers of my garden.
7. Euphemism : Figurative language designed to replace words or phrases that would otherwise be considered harsh, impolite or unpleasant.
example : She was starting to feel over the hill. ( old )
Our company has decided to let you go. (fire you)
Last night ,Joe's grandfather passed away. (died)
8. Personification : Attribution of human characteristics that is not human.
example : I heard wind whistling.
Water was dancing through my window.
and alliteration : The use of same letter or sound at the beginning of words that are close together.
example : He built a big boat.
The sly snake slithers slowly in the sand.
Coca-Cola
Dunkin' donuts
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