Figures of Speech

• Simile-Comparison of two different objects using ‘as’ and ‘like’ ( eg. He was as brave as a
lion.)

• Metaphor-It is an implied simile…without the use of ‘as’ & ‘like’ ( eg.He was a lion.)

• Alliteration-Repetition of similar sounds or letters at the beginning of two or more

words. (eg. How high his highness holds his haughty head.)

• Personification-It gives life to inanimate objects. (eg. The moon veiled her face.)

• Anthithesis-Setting of one idea or word against another for the sake of emphasis .(eg.
They speak like saints but act like devils.)

• Pun-The use of a word in such a way that it displays a double meaning for humour or
spite . (eg. An ambassador is a man who lies abroad for the good of his country.)

• Irony-Saying one thing but meaning the opposite. (eg. Of course you know everything,
there’s no doubt about that.)

• Onomatopoeia-Words which denote sound. (eg. thud,boom,clip clop.)

• Euphemism-Expressing something unpleasant or blunt in a delicate way. (eg.Now he

finally sleeps forever.)

• Transferred Epithet-The qualifying adjective is transferred from one thing to another

thing. (eg. I’d like a cold glass of water.)

• Climax-It shows the successive rising of the sense of the word. (eg.It is not only useless
but dangerous and also criminal.)

• Anticlimax-It is a ridiculous descent in meaning. (eg.The soldiers fight for glory and a
shilling a day.)

• Oxymoron-A phrase which appears to be contradictory. (eg. Life is bitter sweet.)