Figures of Speech – Definitions

Figures of Speech	Definitions
Metaphor	A metaphor is a comparison drawn between two different things that have something in common. Example: The world is your oyster.
Metonymy	Metonymy is the substitution of one phrase for another having a similar meaning in order to express something in an indirect manner. Example: I remain loyal to the country.
Onomatopoeia	Onomatopoeia is a term that sounds like the sound it describes. Example: My watch ticks loudly.
Oxymoron	An oxymoron occurs when two words in a sentence contradict one another.
Paradox	A paradox is a self-contradictory assertion. Example: Deep down Anna is really shallow.
Personification	Personification is the process by which a non-living object is given human characteristics.
Pun	A pun is a word play in which a word is used to change the meaning of a statement and add a double meaning.
Simile	A simile is a term that compares one item to another by utilising the words like or as.
Synecdoche	A synecdoche is a remark in which only a portion of something is articulated in order to refer to the entire item.
Understatement	Understatement is a statement that is intended to be less essential than the message being conveyed.