Figure Of Speech

Definition

Figures of speech is a way to to compare two things that are dissimilar in general. We use it when we say something, but does't mean it in its literal terms. Let's say- Ram runs with a lightning speed. In this sentence, we are just using this word "lightning" to refer the speed of the ram but not in lietral terms. we have used it to show the maximum capacity of somebody to run.

Figure of speech are meant to clarify and describe in more detail or we can say in more exaggerating way. Speed can be describe in different ways as well like, slow, fast, brisk etc. but to give the maximum impact of what we are saying we use figure of speech. If you will take it in literal terms then it will be difficult to understand and will not make any sense.

A figure of speech is a word or phrase that possesses a separate meaning from its literal definition. It can be a metaphor or simile, designed to make a comparison. It can be the repetition of alliteration or the exaggeration of hyperbole to provide a dramatic effect.

In truth, there are a wealth of these literary tools in the English language. But, let's start out by exploring some of the most common figure of speech examples.

 Advertisement Figures of Speech. Figures of speech lend themselves particularly well to literature and poetry. They also pack a punch in speeches and movie lines. Indeed, these tools abound in nearly every corner of life. Let's start with one of the more lyrical devices, alliteration.

Alliteration

Alliteration is a figure of speech in which two usually consecutive words begin with the same consonant sound but not always the same latter.

The word doesn’t always have to be right next to each other, but when you say or read them, the sound is repeated.

For example, four fabulous fish and go and gather the flowers on the grass.

Examples :

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers

She sells sea shells on the sea shore

Becky’s beagle barked and bayed, which bothered Billy

Metaphors

We use metaphors all the time. Suppose when your Mummy says, “This house is a zoo!” she doesn’t mean that it is the place where animal lives. She just means that everyone in the house is as noisy as a bunch of animals would be.

She’s using the zoo as a metaphor for the house, she’s describing the house as if were a zoo, to make the comparison clear.

Examples:

dirty pig – very filthy

having two left feet – very bad dancer

to get cold feet – to become nervous

Personification

Personification is giving human qualities to something that may not be human, or even alive.

For example, when you say: “The flowers nodded their head cheerfully.”

What you mean here is that the flowers moved about in the wind looking as if they were cheerful and happy. You’re imagining that the flowers have human emotions.

Exampels:

laughing flowers

howling wind

smiling sun

Onomatopoeia

This is a big word that just means words that imitate sounds. Pitter-patter is an example of onomatopoeia. It mimics the sound of rain or maybe little feet.

The word tinkle is also onomatopoeia. It mimics the sound of a bell or falling water.

We use onomatopoeia all the time in our everyday speech. Poets and writers use this figure of speech to make their writing more expressive too.

Onomatopoeia Examples

zoom

beep

groan

Similes

A simile is a figure of speech in which two things are directly compared. We use the word like or as to make the comparison.

The four phrases above are all similes. The beauty of a simile is that it helps us imagine clearly what the writer is trying to say. Poets and writers use similes to make their writing come alive.

 Examples:

as blind as a bat

as bold as brass

as bright as a button

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

In this material I will take the song Love Story by Taylor Swift following the lyrics of the song.

 

 We were both young when I first saw you

I close my eyes and the flashback starts

I'm standing there

On a balcony, in summer air

See the lights, see the party, the ball gowns

See you make your way through the crowd

And say "Hello"

Little did I know

That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles

And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet"

And I was crying on the staircase

Begging you, "Please don't go"

And I said

"Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone

I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run

You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess

It's a love story, baby, just say yes"

So I sneak out to the garden to see you

We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew

So close your eyes

Escape this town for a little while

'Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter

And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet"

But you were everything to me

I was begging you, "Please don't go"

And I said

"Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone

I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run

You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess

It's a love story, baby, just say yes"

Romeo, save me, they're trying to tell me how to feel

This love is difficult, but it's real

Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess

It's a love story, baby, just say yes

Oh, oh

I got tired of waiting

Wondering if you were ever coming around

My faith in you was fading

When I met you on the outskirts of town

And I said

Romeo, save me, I've been feeling so alone

I keep waiting for you, but you never come

Is this in my head? I don't know what to think

He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring

And said

"Marry me, Juliet, you'll never have to be alone

I love you, and that's all I really know

I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress

It's a love story, baby, just say yes"

Oh, oh

Oh, oh

'Cause we were both young when I first saw you

Why I Choose This Song

chose this song because it is very deep in meaning, telling about two people who fall in love with each other

Figure Of Speech in Song

“You were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter."

Metaphor

Watch this video!