Figures of
speech
Storytelling Through Flowers
WHAT ARE FIGURES
OF SPEECH?
A figure of speech is a phrase or word
used in a non-literal sense for rhetorical
or rich effect. It is an expression that is
different from its literal meaning. They
are used to make writing more
interesting.
"YOU FIT INTO ME
LIKE A HOOK INTO AN EYE
A FISH HOOK
AN OPEN EYE"
METAPHOR
A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a
comparison between two non-similar things. As a
literary device, metaphor creates implicit comparisons
without the express use of “like” or “as.” In other words,
something is something else.
"His voice is music to my ears".
HYPERBOLE
The word hyperbole, from a Greek word meaning
“excess,” is a figure of speech that uses extreme
exaggeration to make a point or show emphasis.
Without hyperbole - This helmet is hurting my chin.
With hyperbole - This helmet is killing me.
Hyperbole is used in literature, rhetoric and everyday
speech.
ALLITERATION
Alliteration is a literary technique derived from Latin,
meaning “letters of the alphabet.” It occurs when two or
more words are linked that share the same first
consonant sound.
“From forth the fatal loins of these two foes”
PERSONIFICATION
With personification, you emphasize a non-human’s
characteristics by describing them with human
attributes. That non-human can be an object, an
animal, or even an idea or a concept.
The trees danced in the wind
ALLUSION
An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone
well known, often from history or literature without
mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.
"She is like an Einstein; she knows about everything!"
ONOMATOPEIA
Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which words evoke the
actual sound of the thing they refer to or describe. The
“boom” of a firework exploding, the “tick tock” of a clock, and
the “ding dong” of a doorbell are all examples of
onomatopoeia.
PUN A pun involves using a word or phrase in a
humorous way that suggests more than one
meaning.
When my algebra teacher retired, he wasn’t
ready for the aftermath.
