Figures of Speech

What are figures of speech and how do they affect our understanding of the English language? Read this post to find out.

Some non-native speakers of English do not appreciate English songs, jokes and movies at times, because there are some parts there they couldn’t understand well. It’s not because they don’t know their grammar or vocabulary, but simply because there are underlying meanings in the sentences they have to uncover. In other words, sometimes figures of speech are used. Below are some examples of figures of speech.

Simile—it is likening one thing to another usually using the word “like” or “as”
Ex. She is like a rare jewel that I treasure.

Metaphor—it is comparing two objects, likening them without the use of the words “like” or “as”
Ex. You are the air that keeps me alive.

Hyperbole—it exaggerates something to emphasize a point
Ex. I have a mountain of laundry to do.

Irony-saying something which is the exact opposite of what you mean
Ex. Indeed you are a great leader! We would be nothing without you! (when what it actually means is that he is not a good leader, and he’s useless)

Meiosis—it is a phrase that makes one thing appear less to magnify another thing
Ex. I was nothing without you, but now I know I could do everything!

Euphemism—to rephrase a term with a less harsh or inoffensive term
Ex. He went to a much better place. (He died.)

Antithesis-two things in direct opposition
Ex. I looked for the light, but only darkness found me.

Personification—animating objects as if they were people
Ex. My heart cried in vain.