Figures of Speech Definitions

There are ___ common figures of speech.

A figure of speech containing a repetition of an initial sound, usually a consonant, in two or more words.

A figure of speech with a sudden change from something exalted to something trivial. It is used for a comic effect.

A figure of speech that addresses (talks to) a dead or non-present person, or an object.

A figure of speech where the second half of an expression is balanced against the first, but with the parts reversed.

A figure of speech with an arrangement of parts in a rising order of importance.

A figure of speech using a word or phrase which softens the effect of the term it replaced (that would have otherwise been considered harsh, blunt, or offensive).

A figure of speech using an exaggeration (for the purpose of emphasis but not deception).

A figure of speech in which the use of words convey the opposite of their literal meaning. A statement or situation where the meaning is contradicted by the appearance or presentation of the idea.

A figure of speech in which a writer or speaker deliberately makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is.

A figure of speech that shows a comparison between two or more things without using the words like or as.

A figure of speech that replaces the literal thing with a more vivid, but closely related thing or idea.

A figure of speech that contains words that imitate natural sounds.

A figure of speech that seems untrue or that may contradict itself, but which may be true in fact.

A figure of speech in which a human trait is attributed to a non-living thing.

A figure of speech containing a short saying generally known by many people. The saying usually states a general truth or piece of advice.

A figure of speech containing a play on words; one expression used that could have several meanings.

A figure of speech that makes a comparison using the words like or as.

A figure of speech that uses a portion to represent the whole.

A figure of speech in which a word is used as a different part of speech than in normal usage.

The presentation of details, characters, or incidents in a narrative in such a way that later events are prepared for.

A group of words established by usage and having a meaning not deductible from those individual words.

An indirect reference to an event, person, or thing, which is widely known in literature.

A term in book trade; a short summary or some words of praise accompanying a creative work (like a book), without giving away any details.

An inscription to mark burial places.