Figures of Speech / Literary Devices Flashcards
Alliteration
Repetition of the same initial sound in two or more words.
“Peter piper picked a peck of pickled …”
Antithesis
The presentation of contrary ideas in parallel form.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
Hyperbole
Extreme exaggeration.
“Three hundred thousand blankets were in that closet.”
Irony (Sarcasm)
The use of a word or sentence whose literal meaning is the opposite of the message conveyed.
“Well, the Phoenix Suns will be making another run at the NBA title again this year.”
Metaphor
Compares two unlike things by stating that one “is” the other.
“Brian Urlacher is an animal!”
Simile
Compares two unlike objects. ALWAYS uses the word like or as.
“My mom is like the Tasmanian Devil when it comes to cleaning the house ” or “He’s as inspiring as a bowl of Grape Nuts.”
Metonymy
The substitution of a name of one object for another with which it’s closely associated.
“City hall issued the following news release.” “City Hall” stands for the “Mayor” or “The City Council.”
Oxymoron
Term of phrase that combines two usually opposite qualities.
“Jumbo shrimp.”
Rhetorical Question
Questions used to make a statement or to produce a desired effect rather than for them to be literally answered. The answer is self-evidently obvious.
“Who wouldn’t want to be a millionaire?”
Personification
Attribution of human qualities or characteristics to inanimate objects.
“My overstuffed chair is asking for some snuggle time.”
Synecdoche
Using part of an object to stand for the whole object.
“Have you seen my new wheels?” (wheels = car)
Temporal
Begin with the past and work forward.
“The History of Peanut Butter.”
Spatial
Usually used to describe an object or place.
“The Sound Board.”
Topical
Good for informative speeches. Uses branches to describe.
“The three Branches of Government.”
Problem - Solution
Describe the problem then offer a solution, overcome objections.
