Publish Date: June 10, 2024

Figures of Speech

Literary Devices Explained

1. Simile

A simile compares two different things using “like” or “as.”

Example: “Her smile was like the sun.”
Comparison: Simile vs. Metaphor: A simile uses “like” or “as” (e.g., “as brave as a lion”), while a metaphor states one thing is another (e.g., “He is a lion in battle”).

2. Metaphor

A metaphor directly compares two things by stating one is the other.

Example: “Time is a thief.”
Comparison: Simile vs. Metaphor: A metaphor makes a direct comparison without “like” or “as” (e.g., “The world is a stage”).

3. Personification

Personification gives human traits to non-human things.

Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.”
Comparison: Metaphor vs. Personification: Metaphors compare things, while personification attributes human characteristics (e.g., “The clock laughed at me”).

4. Paradox

A paradox is a statement that seems contradictory but reveals a truth.

Example: “Less is more.”
Comparison: Paradox vs. Oxymoron: A paradox is a whole statement with contradiction, while an oxymoron is a phrase with contradictory terms.

5. Oxymoron

An oxymoron combines contradictory terms.

Example: “Deafening silence.”
Comparison: Oxymoron vs. Paradox: Oxymorons are brief contradictions (e.g., “bittersweet”), while paradoxes are broader (e.g., “You can save money by spending it”).

6. Antithesis

Antithesis juxtaposes contrasting ideas in balanced phrases.

Example: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
Comparison: Antithesis vs. Juxtaposition: Antithesis contrasts ideas within a sentence; juxtaposition places contrasting elements close together.

7. Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds.

Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
Comparison: Alliteration vs. Consonance: Alliteration is repetition at the beginning of words; consonance can occur at any position in the word.

8. Assonance

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words.

Example: “The early bird catches the worm.”
Comparison: Assonance vs. Alliteration: Assonance repeats vowel sounds; alliteration repeats consonant sounds.

9. Consonance

Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds, typically at the end of words.

Example: “The lumpy, bumpy road.”
Comparison: Consonance vs. Assonance: Consonance involves consonants; assonance involves vowels.

10. Sibilance

Sibilance is the repetition of “s” or “sh” sounds.

Example: “The snake silently slithered.”
Comparison: Sibilance vs. Alliteration: Sibilance is a specific type of alliteration focusing on “s” or “sh” sounds.

11. Irony

Irony involves saying one thing but meaning another, often the opposite.

Example: A traffic cop gets a ticket for speeding.
Comparison: Irony vs. Pun: Irony is about opposite meanings; a pun plays with word meanings.

12. Pun

A pun is a humorous use of a word to suggest different meanings.

Example: “I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.”
Comparison: Pun vs. Irony: Puns rely on wordplay; irony involves contrary meanings.

13. Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition places two elements side by side to highlight contrasts.

Example: “The small cottage stood in the shadow of the grand castle.”
Comparison: Juxtaposition vs. Antithesis: Juxtaposition places contrasting elements side by side; antithesis contrasts ideas in the same sentence.

14. Synecdoche

Synecdoche uses a part to represent the whole or vice versa.

Example: “All hands on deck” (hands = sailors).
Comparison: Synecdoche vs. Metonymy: Synecdoche uses parts (e.g., “wheels” for a car); metonymy uses related concepts (e.g., “the crown” for the monarchy).

15. Anaphora

Anaphora is the repetition of words at the beginning of successive clauses.

Example: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds…”
Comparison: Anaphora vs. Alliteration: Anaphora repeats whole words or phrases; alliteration repeats initial sounds.

16. Metonymy

Metonymy replaces the name of something with something closely related.

Example: “The White House issued a statement” (White House = President/Administration).
Comparison: Metonymy vs. Synecdoche: Metonymy uses associated terms (e.g., “the pen” for writing); synecdoche uses parts for wholes or vice versa.

17. Litotes

Litotes is understatement by negating the opposite.

Example: “He’s not unfriendly.”
Comparison: Litotes vs. Hyperbole: Litotes downplays a situation; hyperbole exaggerates it.

18. Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement for effect.

Example: “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”
Comparison: Hyperbole vs. Litotes: Hyperbole exaggerates; litotes understates.

19. Euphemism

A euphemism replaces a harsh term with a mild one.

Example: “Passed away” instead of “died.”
Comparison: Euphemism vs. Metonymy: Euphemisms soften harsh realities; metonymy uses related terms.