2. • Identify figures of speech
• Understand their meaning in
context
• Create figures of speech
5. Demonstrate understanding
of figurative language, word
relationships, and nuances in
word meanings.
a. Interpret figures of speech
(e.g. verbal irony, puns) in
context
Lecture Objectives CA Content Standards
3. “My sense of hearing especially became
more powerful. I could hear sounds I had
never heard before. I heard sounds from
heaven; and I heard sounds from hell!“ –
Edgar Allen Poe, The Tell-Tale Heart
4. • Also known as figurative language
• It’s language that doesn’t mean exactly what it says
• Non-literal
• Rhetorical (used to produce effect or make a
statement rather than to elicit information)
Can you give an example of a figure of speech?
What are Figures of Speech?
6. Familiar Figures of Speech
Figure of Speech Definition Example
Simile Comparison of unlike things
using “like” or “as”
The sidewalk is as hot as the sun.
It melts like butter.
Metaphor Comparison of unlike things
without like or as
She’s a peach.
They’re being a stick in the mud.
Alliteration Repetition of consonants for
melodic effect
Peter piper picked a peck of pickled
peppers.
Onomatopoeia Sounds! Bark; Meow; Pitter-patter; Boing; Clap;
Buzz
8. More…
Figure of Speech Definition Example
Hyperbole Exaggeration for emphasis,
urgency, or excitement in a
statement
I’m dead.
I’m so excited, my heart is going to
explode.
Oxymoron Using two contradictory
words to create new meaning
That headline is old news.
The classroom was organized chaos.
Personification Human characteristics to
nonhuman things
The windows whistled.
The chairs looked sad.
Pun Wordplay of words with
similar sounds and different
meanings
You’re so punny!
No matter how much you push the
envelope, it will still be stationary.
10. More…
Figure of Speech Definition Example
Understatement Downplaying of a situation
Creates humor or deadpan
effect in writing
It’s only a little cancer.
I’m only banned from one restaurant.
Irony Situation that subverts
reader’s expectation
*storm outside* “What a beautiful day!”
*actively sick* “I feel great”
Litotes Double negative to make a
positive
It’s not bad.
Euphemism Saying something in an
understated manner, often
avoiding difficult topics
They’re no longer with us.
We’re letting you go.
11. Question
Can you think of any figures of speech
you use or have heard of recently?
What kind is it?
12. Some Less Familiar Figures of Speech
Figure of Speech Definition Example
Circumlocution A purposely wordy
description (like talking in
circles)
It would appear…
He who must not be named.
Apostrophe Addressing someone or
something who cannot
respond
Twinkle, twinkle little star / How I wonder
what you are.
O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou
Romeo?
Synecdoche Smaller unit is used to signify
a larger unit or device
Hungry mouths to feed.
I’ve got new wheels.
Metonymy Word or object stands in for a
closely related word or object
My loyalty is to the Crown.
The White House.
13. What is this Figure of Speech Representative of?
14. More…
Figure of Speech Definition Example
Paradox Appears to contradict itself,
but has some truth, theme or
humor
The sentence below is wrong.
The sentence above is right.
Antithesis Placing two opposite
ideas/things next to one
another for contrast
Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.
One small step for man, one giant leap
for mankind.
Epigram Clever or memorable
statement (often in speeches
or poetry)
It’s better to light a candle than curse
the darkness.
Live simply, so that others may simply
live.
Pleonasm Has more words than
necessary to convey meaning
Kick it with your feet.
The building was burning in the fire.
