Figure of Speech

Definition of Figure of Speech

A figure of speech is a word or phrase that is used in a non-literal way to create

an effect. This effect may be rhetorical as in the deliberate arrangement of
words to achieve something poetic, or imagery as in the use of language to
suggest a visual picture or make an idea more vivid. Overall, figures of speech
function as literary devices because of their expressive use of language. Words
are used in other ways than their literal meanings or typical manner of
application.

For example, Margaret Atwood utilizes figures of speech in her poem “you fit
into me” as a means of achieving poetic meaning and creating a vivid picture
for the reader.

you fit into me

like a hook into an eye

a fish hook

an open eye

The simile in the first two lines sets forth a comparison between the way “you”
fits into the poet like a hook and eye closure for perhaps a garment. This is an
example of rhetorical effect in that the wording carefully achieves the idea of
two things meant to connect to each other. In the second two lines, the wording
is clarified by adding “fish” to “hook” and “open” to “eye,” which calls forth an
unpleasant and even violent image. The poet’s descriptions of hooks and eyes
are not meant literally in the poem. Yet the use of figurative language allows
the poet to express two very different meanings and images that enhance the
interpretation of the poem through contrast.

Types of Figures of Speech

The term figure of speech covers a wide range of literary devices, techniques,
and other forms of figurative language, a few of which include:

• Simile
• Metaphor
• Personification
• Paradox
• Understatement
• Metonymy
• Apostrophe
• Hyperbole
• Synecdoche
 • Irony
• Pun
• Euphemism
• Epigram
• Oxymoron
• Antithesis
• Litotes
• Alliteration
• Onomatopoeia
• Circumlocution
• Pleonasm

Common Examples of Figures of Speech Used in Conversation

Many people use figures of speech in conversation as a way of clarifying or

emphasizing what they mean. Here are some common examples of
conversational figures of speech:

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

Common Examples of Figure of Speech in Writing

Writers also use figures of speech in their work as a means of description or

developing meaning. Here are some common examples of figures of speech
used in writing:

Simile

Simile is a figure of speech in which two dissimilar things are compared to each
other using the terms “like” or “as.”

• She’s as pretty as a picture.

• I’m pleased as punch.
• He’s strong like an ox.
• You are sly like a fox.
• I’m happy as a clam.

Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things without the
use of the terms “like” or “as.”

• He is a fish out of water.

• She is a star in the sky.
• My grandchildren are the flowers of my garden.
• That story is music to my ears.
• Your words are a broken record.

Euphemism

Euphemism is a figure of speech that refers to figurative language designed to

replace words or phrases that would otherwise be considered harsh, impolite,
or unpleasant.

• Last night, Joe’s grandfather passed away (died).

• She was starting to feel over the hill (old).
• Young adults are curious about the birds and bees (sex).
• I need to powder my nose (go to the bathroom).
• Our company has decided to let you go (fire you).

Personification

Personification is a figure of speech that attributes human characteristics to

something that is not human.

• I heard the wind whistling.

• The water danced across my window.
• My dog is telling me to start dinner.
• The moon is smiling at me.
• Her alarm hummed in the background.

Writing Figure of Speech

As a literary device, figures of speech enhance the meaning of written and

spoken words. In oral communication, figures of speech can clarify, enhance
description, and create interesting use of language. In writing, when figures of
speech are used effectively, these devices enhance the writer’s ability for
description and expression so that readers have a better understanding of what
is being conveyed.

It’s important that writers construct effective figures of speech so that the
meaning is not lost for the reader. In other words, simple rearrangement
or juxtaposition of words is not effective in the way that deliberate wording and
phrasing are. For example, the hyperbole “I could eat a horse” is effective in
showing great hunger by using figurative language. If a writer tried the
hyperbole “I could eat a barn made of licorice,” the figurative language is
ineffective and the meaning would be lost for most readers.

Here are some ways that writers benefit from incorporating figures of speech
into their work:

Figure of Speech as Artistic Use of Language

Effective use of figures of speech is one of the greatest demonstrations of

artistic use of language. Being able to create poetic meaning, comparisons, and
expressions with these literary devices is how writers form art with words.

Figure of Speech as Entertainment for Reader

Effective figures of speech often elevate the entertainment value of a literary

work for the reader. Many figures of speech invoke humor or provide a sense of
irony in ways that literal expressions do not. This can create a greater sense of
engagement for the reader when it comes to a literary work.

Figure of Speech as Memorable Experience for Reader

By using effective figures of speech to enhance description and meaning,

writers make their works more memorable for readers as an experience.
Writers can often share a difficult truth or convey a particular concept through
figurative language so that the reader has a greater understanding of the
material and one that lasts in memory.