Figures of Speech: Definition, Types & Examples

All language is guided by rules, but to strengthen a single sentence or a set of words, these basic laws of communication are deliberately broken, and additional principles of communication are triggered, providing the single phrase or a set of words a unique formation. when a phrase or a set of words is still not true to reality, these are Figures of speech that emphasize the important truth of sentences.

What is Figures of Speech

Figures of speech in English Grammar are literary devices that add depth, imagery, and rhetorical effect to writing or speech. A type of representation (such as metaphors or symbolism) used to convey a message or strengthen the effect, often by correlating or classifying one thing with some other that has a sense of implication recognizable to the listener or the reader. They are used to enhance the expression of ideas, evoke emotions, create vivid descriptions, and engage the audience. 

Definition of Figures of Speech

A figure of speech is a quasi-word or phrase used to create a result. This impact could be theoretical, as in the willful structure of words to achieve an artistic effect, or graphics, as in the use of vocabulary to suggest a vivid appearance or make an idea more dynamic. Figures of speech, in general, serve as poetic devices due to their imaginative use of language. Words are used in ways other than their original meaning or classic implementation.

Figure of Speech Meaning

A figure of speech is just a phrase or word used to bring English literature to daily life. It is a poetic device that produces visuals and improves expression. It is also recognized as the idiomatic color. Figures of speech are the fuel of the English literature and are what such butter is to bread.

Types of Figures of Speech

There are many types of Figures of speech some are discussed below:

1. Smile
2. Metaphor
3. Personification
4. Apostrophe
5. Oxymoron
6. Hyperbole
7. Alliteration
8. Onomatopoeia

Simile  

 A Simile compares the two completely unboxed things. Words like, so, as like, and so on are used to bring a Simile. Here are some examples of Smilie –

• You are as beautiful as a rose.
• My niece is as intelligent as Albert Einstein.
• Her hair is as black as coal.
• He is like a lion.
• She shines like the sun. 

Metaphor

A Metaphor is created when two unlike or dissimilar things or ideas are compared. It is an irregular or indirect Simile that avoids the words “like” and “as.” Here are some examples of metaphors –

• Life is a roller coaster.
• My daughter is a cute little angel.
• Old is gold.
• We are just a puppet.
• The clouds are cotton candy.  

Personification

In Personification the representation of non-living objects, abstract thoughts, or characteristics as humans or living creatures. Here are some examples of Personification. Here are some examples of Personification –

• My ball dance on the roof.
• The sun played hide and seek with the cloud.
• Cars are begging for service.
• The chocolates are calling me.
• The stars are smiling at me.

Apostrophe

 Under this figure of speech, the author refers to absent or inanimate objects as if they were real and starts writing about them. Here are some examples of apostrophes. Here are some examples of Apostrophes –

• I haven’t visited Dubai.
• I’m having my lunch.
• She’s so beautiful.
• I don’t like noise.
• He can’t tolerate his insult. 

Oxymoron

An Oxymoron occurs when two words are used within a sentence and yet appear to conflict with one another. An Oxymoron is a form of speech that easily employs two opposing opinions. One such difference of opinion generates a counterintuitive picture in the mind of the listener or reader resulting in a brand-new concept or meaning for the entire text. Here are some examples of oxymorons –

• A small crowd gathered outside the temple.
• His face was looking confused.
• Kapil Sharma’s jokes are seriously funny.
• This book is an original copy of Mahabharata.
• Amitabh Bachchan acts naturally.

Hyperbole

Whenever you use words to highlight or convey specific, you are using Hyperbole. It is used to create something that looks much bigger or more significant than it is. Here are some examples of Hyperbole. Here are some examples of Hyperbole –

• I can smell the rose fragrance from a mile away.
• He is tall as the height of a mountain.
• My nephew is my guardian angel.
• My mom is my Goddess.
• I am so angry I could break this wall. 

Alliteration

An Alliteration is a sequence of phrases that begin with a similar letter. Alliteration is the continuation of such a sound or even a written statement at the start of a series of words. Here are some examples of Alliteration. Here are some examples of Alliteration – 

• I bought a basket filled with bananas.
• Akita and Airedale are awesome dogs.
• My favorite fruit is fig.
• Lalit loves lollypops.
• Charu makes yummy cakes, candy, and chocolates.

Onomatopoeia

 A plot of speech in which a phrase is employed to explain a sound. Onomatopoeia is when we illustrate an act by simply placing the sounds into linguistics. It is most commonly used during fiction or rhymes. Here are some examples of Onomatopeia –

• My dog always barks at strangers.
• Every morning my alarm clock whistle to wake me.
• The bees buzzed around the honey.
• Ding Dong rings the bell.
• The cat meow as Riya calls her.

20 Figures of Speech With Examples

1. Simile
   • Definition: A comparison between two different things using ‘like’ or ‘as’.
   • Example: “Her smile was as bright as the sun.”
2. Metaphor
   • Definition: A direct comparison between two unrelated things without using ‘like’ or ‘as’.
   • Example: “Time is a thief.”
3. Personification
   • Definition: Attributing human characteristics to non-human objects or abstract ideas.
   • Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.”
4. Hyperbole
   • Definition: An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.
   • Example: “I’ve told you a million times.”
5. Understatement
   • Definition: A statement that minimizes the importance of something.
   • Example: “It’s just a scratch,” said of a large dent.
6. Metonymy
   • Definition: Referring to something by one of its attributes or associations.
   • Example: “The pen is mightier than the sword.”
7. Synecdoche
   • Definition: A part of something represents the whole, or vice versa.
   • Example: “All hands on deck.”
8. Irony
   • Definition: A statement that, because of its context, means its opposite.
   • Example: A fire station burns down.
9. Sarcasm
   • Definition: Verbal irony intended to mock or convey contempt.
   • Example: “Great, another rainy day. Just what I needed!”
10. Alliteration
    • Definition: The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
    • Example: “She sells seashells by the seashore.”
11. Assonance
    • Definition: The repetition of vowel sounds in non-rhyming words.
    • Example: “The early bird catches the worm.”
12. Consonance
    • Definition: The repetition of consonant sounds, typically within or at the end of words.
    • Example: “The lumpy, bumpy road.”
13. Onomatopoeia
    • Definition: A word that imitates the sound it represents.
    • Example: “The bees buzzed.”
14. Anaphora
    • Definition: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
    • Example: “Every day, every night, in every way, I am getting better.”
15. Epistrophe
    • Definition: The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses.
    • Example: “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”
16. Euphemism
    • Definition: A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt.
    • Example: “Passed away” instead of “died.”
17. Oxymoron
    • Definition: A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.
    • Example: “Deafening silence.”
18. Paradox
    • Definition: A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition.
    • Example: “This statement is false.”
19. Pun
    • Definition: A joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings.
    • Example: “I used to be a baker because I kneaded dough.”
20. Allusion
    • Definition: A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.
    • Example: “He was a real Romeo with the ladies.”

A Figure of Speech Chart

Type	Definition	Example
Simile	A phrase that differentiates two things	Gresham runs like a horse
Metaphor	Two dissimilar things are compared	You are my rainbow
personification	The representation of non-living objects things etc.	Leaves were dancing in the rain
Apostrophe	Refers to absent or inanimate objects as if they were real.	It’s a sunny day
Oxymoron	Two words are used within a sentence and yet appear to conflict with one another	Amitabh Bachchan acts naturally.
Hyperbole	Used to create something that looks much bigger or more significant than it is.	My mom is my Goddess.
Alliteration	The sequence of phrases that begin with a similar letter.	My favorite fruit is fig.
Onomatopoeia	The Phrase is employed to explain a sound.	The cat meow as Riya calls her

Classification of Figures of Speech

Figures of speech can be classified based on their functions within sentences. These classifications mainly encompass figures that:

1. Express Relationships or Resemblances
2. Depict Phonetic Similarities and Sound Representation
3. Highlight Emphasis or Diminish Importance

Importance of Figures of Speech

It adds to the writing’s charm. It deepens the statement and left the reader with a feeling of awe. It breathes life into the author’s words. The figure of Speech not just demonstrates the writer’s objective, but also shows his motivation for adopting such language. It enhances the text and makes it much more engaging for the reader.

Figures of Speech- FAQs

 Q1. What are Figure of Speech?

A figure of speech is just a phrase or word used in order to bring English literature to daily life. It is a poetic device that produces visuals and improves expression. It is also recognized as the idiomatic color. Figures of speech are the fuel of the English literature and are what such butter is to bread.

Q2. Name 4 most used Figures of Speech. 

Some most used Figures of Speech are-

1. Simile
2. Metaphor
3. Personification
4. Apostrophe

 Q3. Give the example of a Simile Figure of Speech.

Examples of Simile-

1. You are as beautiful as a rose.
2. My niece is as intelligent as Albert Einstein.
3. Her hair is as black as coal.
4. He is like a lion.
5. She shines like the sun.

 Q4. What are the types of Figures of Speech?

There are many types of Figures of Speech, some are-

1. Simile
2. Metaphor
3. Personification 
4. Apostrophe
5. Oxymoron
6. Hyperbole
7. Alliteration
8. Onomatopoeia

 Q5. How to use a Figure of Speech?

Figures of speech are employed in a variety of contexts, ranging from descriptions (of persons, places, and events) to comparative and justifications. We utilize them even without recognizing them. Similes and Metaphors, in particular, are exceedingly ubiquitous in ordinary discourse.

Q6. What are the 12 main figure of speech?

Figures of speech are rhetorical devices or language techniques that add depth, emphasis, or richness to the way we communicate. While there are many figures of speech, here are 12 of the most common and widely recognized ones:

1. Simile: A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.” For example, “He’s as brave as a lion.”

2. Metaphor: A direct comparison between two unlike things, stating that one is the other. For example, “Her smile is a ray of sunshine.”

3. Personification: Attributing human characteristics or qualities to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract concepts. For example, “The wind whispered through the trees.”

4. Hyperbole: Exaggerating or overemphasizing for emphasis or effect. For example, “I’ve told you a million times.”

5. Onomatopoeia: The use of words that imitate the sound they represent. For example, “The bee buzzed by.”

6. Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words. For example, “She sells seashells by the seashore.”

7. Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within words in close proximity. For example, “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.”

8. Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds within words in close proximity. For example, “The pitter-patter of raindrops.”

9. Oxymoron: A combination of contradictory or opposing words. For example, “jumbo shrimp” or “deafening silence.”

10. Irony: The use of words to convey a meaning that is opposite to their literal meaning or a situation where there is a stark contrast between appearance and reality.

11. Antithesis: The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas or words within a sentence to create balance or emphasize differences. For example, “To be or not to be.”

12. Euphemism: The use of mild or less direct language to refer to something that may be considered unpleasant or offensive. For example, “He passed away” instead of “He died.”

These figures of speech are used to make language more vivid, expressive, and engaging in various forms of writing and speech.

Q7. What is simile and examples?

A simile is a figure of speech that involves comparing two unlike things using “like” or “as” to highlight their similarities. Similes are often used to create vivid and imaginative descriptions in writing and speech. Here are some examples of similes:

1. Brave as a lion: This simile compares someone’s courage to the bravery of a lion. It suggests that the person is very courageous.

2. Fast as a cheetah: Here, the speed of a cheetah is used to describe how fast something or someone is.

3. Busy as a bee: This simile implies that someone is very industrious and active, like a bee buzzing around.

4. Bright as the sun: When something is as bright as the sun, it means it’s extremely radiant or brilliant.

5. Cool as a cucumber: This simile is used to describe someone who remains calm and composed, even in stressful situations.

6. Sly as a fox: When someone is sly as a fox, it means they are clever and cunning.

7. Happy as a clam: This simile suggests that someone is very content and joyful, like a clam at high tide, safe from harm.

8. Strong as an ox: When someone is as strong as an ox, it means they possess exceptional physical strength.

9. Light as a feather: This simile describes something that is very lightweight or easy to carry.

10. Free as a bird: This simile implies a sense of freedom and lack of restrictions, similar to a bird soaring in the sky.

Similes make comparisons more relatable and create vivid mental images for readers or listeners, enhancing the overall impact of the description.

Q8. What is a metaphor example?

A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things by saying one thing is another. Unlike a simile, which uses “like” or “as” for comparison, a metaphor asserts that one thing is another. Here’s an example of a metaphor:

“Her voice is music to my ears.”

In this metaphor, the speaker is not saying that the person’s voice is literally music; instead, they are using the metaphor to convey the idea that the person’s voice is exceptionally pleasant and enjoyable, just like music can be. Metaphors are often used to create vivid and imaginative descriptions and can add depth and richness to language and writing.