Figures of Speech

FIGURES OF

SPEECH

05/04/2010

AcademicWritingSkills

FIGURES OF SPEECH

A figure of speech is a rhetorical device

that achieves a special effect by using

words in distinctive ways

ways.

05/04/2010

AcademicWritingSkills

FIGURES OF SPEECH

A figure of speech is a use of a word

that d

h diverges f

from its normal meaning,

l

or a phrase with a specialized meaning

not based n the literal m nin of th

n t b s d on th lit

l meaning f the

words in it such as a metaphor, simile,

or personification

personification.

Figures of speech often provide

emphasis, freshness of expression, or

clarity.

clarity

05/04/2010

AcademicWritingSkills

FIGURES OF SPEECH

1.

Simile:

A stated comparison between two

d fferent th ngs

different things that have certain

certa n

qualities in common.

a. "My face looks like a wedding-cake left out

My

wedding cake

in the rain.“

- (W.H. Auden)

b. Her words were as dull as a dirt.

05/04/2010

AcademicWritingSkills

FIGURES OF SPEECH

2.

Metaphor:

p

An implied comparison between two

unl ke th ngs

unlike things that actually have

something important in common.

a. I fall upon the thorns of life.

- P B Shelley

b. The Leaves of Life keep falling one by one.

- Edward Fitzgerald

05/04/2010

AcademicWritingSkills

FIGURES OF SPEECH

3.

Personification:

A figure of speech in which an

nan mate

abstract on s

inanimate object or abstraction is

endowed with human qualities or

a t s.

abilities.

a. My car was happy to be washed.

b.

b Fate frowned on his endeavors

endeavors.

c. The haughty lion surveyed his realm.

05/04/2010

AcademicWritingSkills

FIGURES OF SPEECH

4.

Hyperbole:

yp

An extravagant statement or the use

of exaggerated terms for the purpose

of emphasis or heightened effect, but

not to be taken literally.

ta n t ra y.

a. I d

a I'd give my right arm for a cup of tea

tea.

b. My backpack weighs a ton!

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