Figures of speech are words or expressions used in a non-literal, creative way to make language more vivid and expressive.
Writers and speakers use them to create imagery, add emotion, and make ideas easier to remember.
They’re common in stories, songs, poetry, and everyday conversation.
Literal: She is very smart.
Figure of speech: She’s a walking dictionary.
Metaphor
Definition: A metaphor compares two unlike things by saying one thing is another, to create a strong image or meaning.
Examples:
- Her voice is music to my ears.
- Time is a thief.
Simile
Definition: A simile compares two unlike things using the words “like” or “as” to show similarity.
Examples:
- He runs like the wind.
- She was as busy as a bee.
Hyperbole
Definition: Hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration used to emphasize a feeling or create humor. It is not meant to be taken literally.
Examples:
- I waited a million years for the bus.
- I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.
Personification
Definition: Personification gives human actions, feelings, or qualities to animals, objects, or ideas.
Examples:
- The sun smiled down at us.
- The leaves danced in the wind.
Oxymoron
Definition: An oxymoron combines two opposite or contradictory words to create a meaningful or poetic effect.
Examples:
- Bittersweet memory
- Deafening silence
Irony
Definition: Irony is when the opposite of what is expected happens, often to create humor or highlight contrast.
Examples:
- A fire station burns down.
- The plumber’s house has leaking pipes.
Pun
Definition: A pun is a play on words that uses multiple meanings or similar sounds to create humor.
Examples:
- Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
- I used to be a banker, but I lost interest.
Alliteration
Definition: Alliteration is the repetition of the same beginning sound in nearby words, often used for rhythm or emphasis.
Examples:
- Sally sells seashells by the seashore.
- Busy bees buzzed by the barn.
Paradox
Definition: A paradox is a statement that seems contradictory but actually expresses truth when you think about it more deeply.
Examples:
- Less is more.
- You must lose yourself to find yourself.
Litotes
Definition: Litotes is understatement using negative wording to express a positive meaning.
Examples:
- Not bad at all (meaning: very good)
- She’s no ordinary singer (meaning: she’s exceptional)