Alliteration – A figure of speech in which the same sound is repeated at the beginning of two or more nearby words.
She sells seashells by the seashore.
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
The wild wind whistled through the woods.
Busy bees buzzed around the blossoms.
The fair breeze blew softly.
Assonance – A figure of speech in which the same vowel sound is repeated in nearby words.
The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain.
Go and mow the lawn.
The light of the fire shined bright.
Try to light the fire tonight.
The bee flew free near the tree.
Consonance – A figure of speech in which the same consonant sound is repeated within or at the end of nearby words.
Pitter-patter.
The lumpy, bumpy road.
Stroke of luck.
Blank and think.
Add and read.
Onomatopoeia – A figure of speech in which words imitate natural sounds.
The bees buzzed around the hive.
The snake hissed loudly.
The door creaked open.
The thunder boomed in the distance.
The clock ticked all night.
Rhyme – A figure of speech in which words have similar ending sounds.
Light – night.
Star – far.
Sky – high.
Day – play.
Tree – free.
Simile – A figure of speech in which two unlike things are directly compared using "like" or "as" to show a likeness between them.
As brave as a lion.
As busy as a bee.
He fought like a tiger.
Her face shone like the moon.
She is as gentle as a lamb.
Metaphor – A figure of speech in which one thing is indirectly compared to another without using "like" or "as" to show a likeness between them.
Time is a thief.
The world is a stage.
Life is a journey.
Her voice is music to my ears.
He is a shining star.
Personification – A figure of speech in which human qualities are given to animals, objects, or ideas.
The wind whispered through the trees.
The sun smiled at us.
The flowers danced in the breeze.
Opportunity knocked at the door.
The stars winked in the sky.
Apostrophe – A figure of speech in which an absent person, an abstract idea, or an object is addressed directly.
O Death, where is thy sting?
O Moon, guide me tonight.
O Love, why do you trouble me?
O Time, slow down your pace.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are!
Imagery – A figure of speech in which language appeals to one or more of the five senses.
Easy Way to Remember
Visual → Auditory → Olfactory → Gustatory → Tactile → Kinesthetic → Organic
(Sight → Hearing → Smell → Taste → Touch → Movement → Internal Feelings)
1. Visual Imagery (Sight)
The bright rainbow stretched across the sky.
The silver moon shone over the quiet lake.
The colourful butterflies fluttered among the flowers.
2. Auditory Imagery (Hearing)
The church bells rang loudly across the valley.
The birds chirped cheerfully in the morning.
The thunder roared through the dark clouds.
3. Olfactory Imagery (Smell)
The sweet fragrance of roses filled the air.
The aroma of freshly baked bread drifted from the kitchen.
The scent of wet earth rose after the rain.
4. Gustatory Imagery (Taste)
The crunchy chips crackled in my mouth.
The juicy mango tasted sweet and refreshing.
The sour lemon made my lips pucker.
5. Tactile Imagery (Touch)
The icy wind stung my face.
The golden sun warmed my skin.
The soft blanket felt cosy and comforting.
6. Kinesthetic Imagery (Movement)
The athlete sprinted across the field.
The dancer twirled gracefully on the stage.
The leaves swirled in the strong wind.
7. Organic Imagery (Internal Sensation)
My stomach growled with hunger.
Exhaustion weighed heavily on my body after the race.
Fear made my heart pound rapidly.
Symbolism – A figure of speech in which an object, person, or action represents a deeper meaning.
A dove symbolizes peace.
A red rose symbolizes love.
A crown symbolizes authority.
A chain symbolizes bondage.
A white flag symbolizes surrender.
Hyperbole – A figure of speech in which something is deliberately exaggerated for emphasis.
I've told you a million times.
This bag weighs a ton.
I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.
She cried a river of tears.
He ran faster than the wind.
Oxymoron – A figure of speech in which two contradictory words are placed together.
Deafening silence.
Bitter sweet.
Living dead.
Open secret.
Seriously funny.
Paradox – A figure of speech in which a statement appears contradictory but contains a truth.
Less is more.
The beginning of the end.
I must be cruel to be kind.
The only constant is change.
Wise fools often teach us much.
Repetition – A figure of speech in which a word, phrase, or idea is repeated for emphasis.
Never, never, never give up.
Alone, alone, all alone.
Work, work, work till success comes.
Run, run, run as fast as you can.
Victory, victory, victory was on everyone's lips.
Anaphora – A figure of speech in which the same word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of successive lines, clauses, or sentences.
I have a dream that one day...
I have a dream that justice will prevail.
We shall fight on the beaches.
We shall fight on the landing grounds.
We shall never surrender.
Refrain – A figure of speech in which a line or group of lines is repeated at regular intervals in a poem.
Nevermore. (repeated in The Raven)
Let it be, let it be.
Row, row, row your boat.
And miles to go before I sleep.
For he's a jolly good fellow.
Enjambment – A figure of speech in which a sentence or thought continues from one line to the next without a pause.
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills.
The sun set slowly beyond the hill
And darkness covered the land.
She opened the door
And stepped into the room.
The river flowed gently
Through the silent valley.
He looked ahead
And saw hope in the distance.
Caesura – A figure of speech in which there is a pause within a line of poetry.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep, || But I have promises to keep.
To err is human, || to forgive divine.
The rain fell softly || through the silent night.
I hear lake water lapping || with low sounds by the shore.
Men may come and men may go, || but I go on forever.
(The symbol || is used only to show the pause.).
Pun – A figure of speech in which a word is used to suggest two or more meanings for humorous or clever effect.
A bicycle can't stand on its own because it is two-tired.
Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
A boiled egg is hard to beat.
I used to be a banker but I lost interest.
The fisherman was hooked on his job.
Irony – A figure of speech in which the actual meaning is different from or opposite to what is expected.
A fire station burns down.
A traffic policeman gets fined for speeding.
The lifeguard needs rescuing.
A dentist has bad teeth.
The strongest swimmer drowns in shallow water.
Antithesis – A figure of speech in which contrasting ideas are placed together in a balanced structure.
Speech is silver, but silence is gold.
Many are called, but few are chosen.
Man proposes, God disposes.
United we stand, divided we fall.
Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.
Euphemism – A figure of speech in which a mild or pleasant expression is used instead of a harsh or unpleasant one.
He passed away. (died)
She is visually challenged. (blind)
They are economically disadvantaged. (poor)
He is between jobs. (unemployed)
The company downsized its workforce. (fired workers)
Transferred Epithet – A figure of speech in which an adjective is transferred from the person or thing it properly describes to another noun.
A sleepless night.
He spent a restless night.
She walked along the lazy road.
The anxious chair waited in the corridor.
We enjoyed a carefree holiday.
Metonymy – A figure of speech in which the name of one thing is used for another closely associated with it.
The Crown announced new laws.
The White House issued a statement.
The pen is mightier than the sword.
Hollywood produces many films.
The throne was inherited by the prince.
Synecdoche – A figure of speech in which a part represents the whole or the whole represents a part.
All hands on deck.
We need more hands to finish the work.
Nice wheels! (car)
India won the match. (team)
Fifty sails entered the harbour. (ships)
Allusion – A figure of speech in which an indirect reference is made to a famous person, place, event, or literary work.
1. He met his Waterloo.
Allusion: Battle of Waterloo
Background: Napoleon Bonaparte was one of history's greatest military commanders. After many victories, he suffered a decisive defeat at Waterloo in 1815, ending his power and ambitions.
Meaning: "He met his Waterloo" means that he suffered a final and crushing defeat after a period of success.
Example: After years of winning elections, the politician met his Waterloo in the latest campaign.
2. She is a modern-day Cinderella.
Allusion: Cinderella
Background: Cinderella was a kind girl who was mistreated by her stepfamily and forced to live a difficult life. Eventually, her fortunes changed dramatically, and she married a prince.
Meaning: "She is a modern-day Cinderella" means that she rose from hardship, poverty, or obscurity to success, happiness, or wealth.
Example: The poor village girl who became a famous actress is a modern-day Cinderella.
3. This test is my Mount Everest.
Allusion: Mount Everest
Background: Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world and one of the most difficult peaks to climb. Reaching its summit requires great courage, preparation, and determination.
Meaning: "This test is my Mount Everest" means that the test is an extremely difficult challenge.
Example: For a student weak in mathematics, the final mathematics examination may be his Mount Everest.
4. He is no Einstein.
Allusion: Albert Einstein
Background: Albert Einstein was a world-famous scientist whose discoveries transformed modern physics. His name has become a symbol of exceptional intelligence and genius.
Meaning: "He is no Einstein" means that he is not exceptionally intelligent or brilliant.
Example: He keeps making simple mistakes in calculations; he is no Einstein.
5. She has the patience of Job.
Allusion: Job
Background: Job, a figure in the Bible, endured great suffering, including the loss of his wealth, family, and health. Despite these hardships, he remained patient and faithful.
Meaning: "She has the patience of Job" means that she is extraordinarily patient and tolerant, even in difficult situations.
Example: Teaching a class of very noisy children requires the patience of Job.
Quick Revision
Waterloo → final defeat
Cinderella → rise from hardship to success
Mount Everest → a very difficult challenge
Einstein → genius; "no Einstein" means not very intelligent
Job → extraordinary patience and endurance
Euphony – A figure of speech in which pleasant and harmonious sounds are used to create a musical effect.
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.
The murmuring stream flowed gently.
Softly sang the silver bells.
The moonlight glimmered on the calm sea.
Sweet birds sang in the silent grove.
Inversion (Anastrophe) – A figure of speech in which the normal order of words is reversed for emphasis or effect.
Sweet are the uses of adversity.
Into the room came the teacher.
Down the street ran the child.
Blessed are the peacemakers.
Loud rang the bells.
Climax – A figure of speech in which ideas are arranged in ascending order of importance or intensity.
He whispered, spoke, and shouted.
We came, we saw, we conquered.
The child, the youth, and the man stood together.
She worked, struggled, and triumphed.
For God, for country, and for humanity.
Anti-climax – A figure of speech in which a serious or important idea is followed by a trivial or less important one.
He lost his family, his fortune, and his umbrella.
The army marched through fire, flood, and a muddy puddle.
She sacrificed her career, her comfort, and her favourite pen.
He fought lions, tigers, and a house cat.
The speech dealt with war, peace, and missing socks.
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