figure of speech
figure of speech
Meaning
- a figure of speech is an expression that is different from its literal meaning
- it is easier to understand than an idiom as you do not have to be familiar with the language in order to decipher it
- every language has its own figures of speech and idioms that are own to that language
- they are used in order to make writing more interesting
Example Sentences
- An idiom is a figure if speech.
- Examples of figures of speech are: Idioms, similes, metaphors, alliteration, oxymorons and hyperbole.
- “That man really rubs me the wrong way. Don't look so shocked, it is just a figure of speech.”
- “I am so hungry that I could eat a horse” is an example of a figure of speech.
Origin
Every figure of speech has a different origin. It is not clear where the phrase “figure of speech” comes from. The earliest use of figures of speech are found in the Bible, so it is clear that they have been around for hundreds of years. They most common used ones in the Bible are similes. This means that one thing is used in place of another. For example: God is the light.
A figure if speech can be in the form of a phrase or a single word.