22/08/2025
Lesson on (Figures of Speech):
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A figure of speech is an expression whose words are not used in their literal sense. A figure of speech is often used to portray an idea more clearly or more interestingly.
The most common types of figures of speech are metaphors, similes, idioms, personification, hyperbole, and euphemisms.
A Broader Definition of Figure of Speech
Some sources do not differentiate between "a figure of speech" and figurative language. As the term "figurative language" includes techniques that might employ the literal meanings of words (e.g., alliteration, assonance, consonance, logosglyphs, onomatopoeia), an alternative definition for "figure of speech," under this broader definition, is "the use of words in an unusual or imaginative manner."
definition of figure of speech with examples
Examples of Figures of Speech
Here are some examples of figures of speech. These examples employ words in their non-literal meanings:
Metaphor
A metaphor asserts that one thing is something that it literally is not. For example:
This bedroom is a prison.
He's a real gannet.
He listened with a stone face.
We don't need dinosaurs in this company.
Read more about metaphors.
Simile
A simile likens one thing to another (usually achieved by the use of the word "like" or "as"). For example:
He eats like a gannet.
This sandwich tastes like sawdust between two doormats.
She sings like an angel.
It's like water off a duck's back.
Read more about similes.
Personification
Personification is when non-human objects are given human traits. For example:
The tide waits for no man.
My car tends to give up on long hills.
Summer's healing rays
Read more about personification.
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is an exaggeration or extravagant statement used for effect. For example:
I have a million problems.
We won a tonne of cash.
I'll die if I don't finish this crossword.
Read more about hyperbole.
Idiom
An idiom is commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. For example:
Be careful not to miss the boat.
This is the last straw.
You can't pull the wool over my eyes.
Don't sit on the fence. Say what you mean.
Read more about idioms.
Euphemism
A euphemism is the use of agreeable or inoffensive words to replace rude or offensive ones. For example:
kicked the bucket = has died
knocked up = is pregnant
letting you go = you're fired
lost his marbles = is mad
Read more about euphemisms.
Metonyms
A metonym is a term used in place of a closely related term. For example:
Tongue = language
Sweat = hard work.
Capitol Hill = American seat of government
took to the bottle = took to alcohol
my word = my promise
a suit = business executive, a lawyer (typically)
Nesma Mustafa Hasan
