XI; Figure of speech

 Definition

Figures of speech is a way to to compare two things that are dissimilar in general. We use it  when we say something, but does't mean it in its literal terms. 

Figure of speech are meant to clarify and describe in more detail or we can say in more exaggerating way. Speed can be describe in different ways as well like, slow, fast, brisk etc. but to give the maximum impact of what we are saying we use figure of speech.  If you will take it in literal terms then it will be difficult to understand and will not make any sense.

A figure of speech is a word or phrase that possesses a separate meaning from its literal definition. It can be a metaphor or simile, designed to make a comparison. It can be the repetition of alliteration or the exaggeration of hyperbole to provide a dramatic effect.

Figure Of Speech Types

Alliteration

Alliteration is a figure of speech in which two usually consecutive words begin with the same consonant sound but not always the same latter.

The word doesn’t always have to be right next to each other, but when you say or read them, the sound is repeated.

For example, four fabulous fish and go and gather the flowers on the grass.

Examples :

1. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers
2. She sells sea shells on the sea shore
3. Becky’s beagle barked and bayed, which bothered Billy

Metaphors

We use metaphors all the time. Suppose when your Mummy says, “This house is a zoo!” she doesn’t mean that it is the place where animal lives. She just means that everyone in the house is as noisy as a bunch of animals would be.

She’s using the zoo as a metaphor for the house, she’s describing the house as if were a zoo, to make the comparison clear.

Examples

dirty pig – very filthy

having two left feet – very bad dancer

to get cold feet – to become nervous

Personification

Personification is giving human qualities to something that may not be human, or even alive.

For example, when you say: “The flowers nodded their head cheerfully.”

What you mean here is that the flowers moved about in the wind looking as if they were cheerful and happy. You’re imagining that  the flowers have human emotions.

Exampels

laughing flowers

howling wind

smiling sun

Onomatopoeia

This is a big word that just means words that imitate sounds. Pitter-patter is an example of onomatopoeia. It mimics the sound of rain or maybe little feet.

The word tinkle is also onomatopoeia. It mimics the sound of a bell or falling water.

We use onomatopoeia all the time in our everyday speech. Poets and writers use this figure of speech to make their writing more expressive too.

Onomatopoeia Examples

1. zoom
2. beep
3. groan

Similes

A simile is a figure of speech in which two things are directly compared. We use the word like or as to make the comparison.

The four phrases above are all similes. The beauty of a simile is that it helps us imagine clearly what the writer is trying to say. Poets and writers use similes to make their writing come alive.

 Examples

1. as blind as a bat
2. as bold as brass
3. as bright as a button