Rhetoric - Figures of Speech
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Common Figures of Speech
You learned about rhetoric and figures of speech back in English class, but now you may be a little rusty distinguishing between a metaphor and a simile (two figures of speech). The purpose of this lens is to list common figures of speech, explain what they are, and give you an example of each type.
Why am I writing about figures of speech? My kids are reaching the ages where they will be taking the ACT and SAT. They have been asking me about rhetoric and I have been answering, but I suspect writing down the answers will be more helpful.
Image: Plato described the differences between true and false rhetoric.
Why am I writing about figures of speech? My kids are reaching the ages where they will be taking the ACT and SAT. They have been asking me about rhetoric and I have been answering, but I suspect writing down the answers will be more helpful.
Image: Plato described the differences between true and false rhetoric.
Contents at a Glance
What Is a Figure of Speech
A figure of speech is sometimes called a rhetoric. It is a way of saying what you mean, indirectly. You use figures of speech all the time, but you might not be able to identify what type of figure of speech you used.
Part of the problem is there are many different figures of speech. I'll start with some of the the most common forms of rhetoric and will add to this list over time.
Part of the problem is there are many different figures of speech. I'll start with some of the the most common forms of rhetoric and will add to this list over time.
Simile
"like" or "as"
A simile is a comparison that is made between two generally dissimilar things that have something in common.
Examples:
cold as ice
pretty as a picture
Examples:
cold as ice
pretty as a picture
Metaphor
A metaphor is a direct comparison made between two dissimilar things that share something important in common. It often takes the form [first thing] is [second thing].
Examples:
the world is a stage
melted cheese was molten lava
Examples:
the world is a stage
melted cheese was molten lava
Read More About Rhetoric
Irony
Irony is the use of word to say exactly the opposite of the literal meaning. Sometime sarcasm is considered to be a form of irony.
Examples:
My husband would say my first name, Anne, is an example of irony, since it means grace and I can trip over air.
'clear as mud' is an example of an ironic simile
'funny as cancer' is another such example
Examples:
My husband would say my first name, Anne, is an example of irony, since it means grace and I can trip over air.
'clear as mud' is an example of an ironic simile
'funny as cancer' is another such example
Paradox
A paradox is a statement that appears to contradict itself. Often, the contradiction is used to point out a truth.
Example:
Wilde's "I can resist anything except temptation."
Example:
Wilde's "I can resist anything except temptation."
Oxymoron
An oxymoron involves the use of terms together which are normally contradictory. Oxymorons differ from other paradoxes and contradiction in that they are used intentionally, for effect.
Examples:
cruel to be kind
team of mavericks
Examples:
cruel to be kind
team of mavericks
Pun
A pun is a play on words. it can involve using two senses of the same word or a play on different words that sound the same.
Examples:
Boardwok - name of a Chinese restaurant located near the beach
A vulture boards a plane, carrying two dead possums. The attendant looks at him and says, "I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger."
Examples:
Boardwok - name of a Chinese restaurant located near the beach
A vulture boards a plane, carrying two dead possums. The attendant looks at him and says, "I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger."
Improve Your Writing
Let Me Know What You Think
Do you have any comments or suggestions regarding this lens about rhetoric? Here's the place for them!
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sridharsix Nov 8, 2010 @ 11:00 pm | delete
- simple and straightforward lens. good one. I love to use rhetoric devices in my writing. And, one of dreams is to write for about.com.
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Treasures-By-Brenda
Feb 11, 2009 @ 3:06 pm | delete
- Interesting subject! Good luck with the challenge for Giant!
Brenda
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by Azareal
Hi. I'm Dr. Anne Helmenstine, scientist, author, and mom. I write and edit About.com's Chemistry Website, which covers general chemistry, science proj... more »
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