Maranan, Rhealyn M.

CLOHS 1A

FIGURES OF SPEECH

A figure of speech or rhetorical figure is an intentional deviation from ordinary language, chosen to

produce a rhetorical effect. Figures of speech are traditionally classified into schemes, which vary
the ordinary sequence or pattern of words, and tropes, where words are made to carry a meaning
other than what they ordinarily signify.

TYPES:

 SIMILE
A simile is a comparison between two different things using the word “like” or “as” to make the
comparison.
Example:
But now her hands like moonlight brush the keys with velvet grace.

 METAPHOR
A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally
true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison. It is a comparison between two unlike
things not using the word “like” or “as.”
Example:
The path of resentment is easier to travel than the road to forgiveness.

 HYPERBOLE
Hyperbole is a rhetorical and literary technique where an author or speaker intentionally uses
exaggeration and overstatement for emphasis and effect.
Example:
Pam was skinny enough to jump through a keyhole.

 PERSONIFICATION
Personification is a figure of speech in which a thing – an idea or an animal – is given human
attributes.
Example:
The skyscraper was so tall that it seemed to kiss the sky.