in a quandary about the present. in search of our future. in search of a national community. trying not only to solve the problems of the present -- unemployment, inflation -- but we are attempting on a larger scale to fulfill the promise of America. We are attempting to fulfill our national purpose: to create and sustain a society in which all of us are equal."
division. hatred. violence and lawlessness; but is love and wisdom and compassion toward one another; a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country whether they be white or whether they be black."
is where Charlie Burton -- South African guy, his skis broke, was extremely irritating, I told him. Unfortunately, he got fungus; the skin fell off one of his feet; got hemorrhoids; fell over and cracked his head on a rock and his eyes filled up with blood -- and he started to complain."
and brought down to date by Lenin; by Stalin; and by the Kremlin within the last five or six weeks."
depends the survival of the vital bridge across the ocean, the bridge of ships that carry the arms and the food for those who are fighting the good fight. depends our ability to aid other nations, which may determine to offer resistance. may depend practical assistance to people now living in nations that have been overrun, should they find the opportunity to strike back in an effort to regain their liberty; and may that day come soon."
honest. strong. And , and always will be, independent."
Hong Kong. Guam. the Philippine Islands. the Japanese attacked Wake Island. And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island."
the way in which the Senate has been made a publicity platform for irresponsible sensationalism. the reckless abandon in which unproved charges have been hurled from this side of the aisle. the obviously staged, undignified countercharges that have been attempted in retaliation from the other side of the aisle."
bad actors try to use our site, block them. content violates our policies, take it down. And our opponents use new techniques, share them so we can strengthen our collective efforts."
: A type of double anaphora in which words offered within adjacent dependent-independent clauses within the same thought unit are repeated across successive adjacent dependent-independent clauses within the same thought unit. The passage also contains notable .
black America, black and proud. the women's movement of this country, a woman and I'm equally proud of that."
: A type of double anaphora in which words offered within adjacent dependent-independent clauses within the same thought unit are repeated across successive adjacent dependent-independent clauses within the same thought unit. The passage also contains notable .
foster trust between our societies. build trust along our common border. take the road less-traveled-by and build confidence every step of the way."
: Also contains an to Robert Frost's
be warm in winter. be happy in the world. have a high standard of living. All the good in the world -- from the depths of our heart, to everybody in the world -- on [the] condition that we [Israel] are here. We're also part of the world."
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Home » Shakespeare's Works » Elements » Figures of Speech » Figures of Speech By Type » Repetition
Scholars joke that the three R's of rhetoric are repetition, repetition and repetition. An orator's success in part depends on an auditor's ability to understand and remember what the orator said. That is enhanced if an orator adheres to the old adage, “Tell them what you're you're going to say, say it, and then tell them what you said.” From this principle, a plethora of rhetorical devices evolved rooted in the art of repetition.
Alliteration.
Alliteration (al-lit’-er-a’-shen) is the repetition of an initial, stressed consonant sound for two or more words. “When to the sessions of sweet silent thought…” Sonnet 30. Alliteration is different from consonance , which is the repetition of a consonant sound on stressed or unstressed syllables that are not always at the beginnings of words. The repetition of “s” sounds, alliterative or consonant, is called sibilance.
Anadiplosis (an’-a-di-plo’-sis) is the repetition of a word or phrase that ends one clause and begins the next. “Though Nature hath given us wit to flout at Fortune, hath not Fortune sent in this fool to cut off the argument?” As You Like It , 1.2.31 . Extended anadiplosis is called gradatio .
Anaphora (an-af’-o-ra) is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. “O, cursèd be the hand that made these holes; / Cursèd the heart that had the heart to do it; / Cursèd the blood that let this blood from hence.” Richard III, 1.2.1 See also mesodiplosis , the repetition of words in the middle, and epistrophe , the repetition of words at the end.
Antanaclasis (an’-ta-na-cla’-sis) is the repetition of a word with a shift of meaning. “In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, / From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, / Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.” Romeo and Juliet . 1.1.1. Related to adnominatio, paronomasia and polyptoton .
Antimetabole (an’-ti-me-ta’-bo-lee) is the repetition of words or phrases in an inverted or reverse order in which the phrases suggest opposing meanings. “How / much better is it to weep at joy than to joy at weeping!” Much Ado About Nothing. 1.1.13 . Antimetabole is a type of chiasmus , which is a similar inversion but of actual words whose meanings are not necessarily opposite. Chiasmus is similar to epanados, which also repeats the terms after presenting them.
Assonance (ass’-o-nance) it the repetition or similarity of the same internal vowel sound in words of close proximity. “ Beauty’s ensign yet / Is crimson in thy lips and in thy cheeks.” Romeo and Juliet. 5.3.73
Chiasmus (ki-az’-mus) is the repetition of two corresponding phrases arranged in a parallel inverse order. The second half is balanced against the first but with the parts reversed. “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” Macbeth 1.1.1 . Related to antimetabole , in which the two pairs suggest opposing or opposite meanings. Also similar to epanados , which also repeats the terms after presenting them.
Consonance is the repetition of a consonant sound, but unlike alliteration the consonant does not always occur on the stressed syllable at the beginning of the word. “Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer / The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, / Or to take arms against a sea of troubles / And, by opposing, end them.” Hamlet, 3.1.64 . The “s” sounds occur at the beginning, middle and ends of words, both stressed and unstressed. The repetition of an “s” sound in lines like this is also called sibilance.
Diacope (di-a’-co-pee) is the close repetition of words broken by one or two intervening words. “ Done like a Frenchman: turn and turn again.” Henry VI Pt. 1, 3.3.17 .
Epanados (e-pan’-o-dos) is the repetition of the chief points in a discourse, especially in reverse order of that in which they were previously treated. “Mine eye and heart are at a mortal war / How to divide the conquest of thy sight. / Mine eye my heart thy picture’s sight would bar, / My heart mine eye the freedom of that right. / My heart doth plead that thou in him dost lie, ” Sonnet 46 . It is a type of chiasmus , which is the inversion of the verbal structure of phrases using the same words. Also similar to antimetabole , in which the two phrases are not just inverted but suggest opposing meanings.
Epanalepsis is the repetition at the end of a clause of the word that occurred at the beginning of the clause. Repetition of words after intervening words for emphasis, or the repetition of words at beginning and end of line, phrase, clause, or sentence. “ Romans, countrymen, and lovers, hear me for my cause, and be silent, that you may hear. Believe me for mine honor, and have respect to mine honor, that you may believe.” Julius Caesar, 3.2.14
Epimone (e-pi’-mo-nee) is the repetition of a phrase or question; dwelling on a point. “Remember thee? / Ay, thou poor ghost, whiles memory holds a seat / In this distracted globe. Remember thee?” Hamlet, 1.5.99.
Epistrophe (e-pis’-tro-fee) is the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses, lines, or sentences. “Is it possible he should know what he is, and be that he is ?” All’s Well That Ends Well, 4.1.45 . See also anaphora , the repetition of words at the beginning, and mesodiplosis , the repetition of words in the middle.
Epizeuxis (e-pi-zook’-sis) is the repetition of words or phrases without intervening words. “ O horror, horror, horror! / Tongue nor heart cannot conceive nor name thee! Macbeth, 2.3.73.
Isocolon (i-so-co’-lon) is a generic term for two or more clauses of equal length and parallel syntax and rhythm. When there are more than two, the figure can be more specifically named (though they are not in the quotes on this website) tricolons, tetracolons, etc . “ My gorgeous palace for a hermitage, / My gay apparel for an almsman’s gown, / My figured goblets for a dish of wood, / My scepter for a palmer’s walking-staff, / My subjects for a pair of carvèd saints.” Richard II, 3.3.148. This quote from Richard II strings five clauses of parallel syntax in sequence and, because the clauses all begin with the same word, this is also an example of anaphora .
Mesodiplosis (mes-o-dip-lo’-sis) is the repetition of the same word or words in the middle of successive sentences or phrases. “But till that time / Come not thou near me. / And when that time comes, \ Afflict me with thy mocks, pity me not, / As till that time I shall not pity thee.” As You Like It, 3.5.39. See also anaphora , the repetition of words at the beginnings, and epistrophe , the repetition of words at the end.
Polyptoton is word play for words derived from the same root or cognate. Repeating words in different case forms. “ Love is not love / Which alters when it alteration finds, / Or bends with the remover to remove.” Sonnet 116 . Related to antanaclasis , adnominatio and paronomasia .
Polysyndeton is the repetition of conjunctions in a series of coordinate words, phrases, or clauses. “ Nor stony tower, nor walls of beaten brass, / Nor airless dungeon, nor strong links of iron, / Can be retentive to the strength of spirit.” Julius Caesar, 1.3.92. See asyndeton , which omits all conjunctions between words or phrases in a series.
Pysma (pys’-ma) is the asking of a series of questions successively, usually rhetorically . “Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home? / What tributaries follow him to Rome, / To grace in captive bonds his chariot-wheels?” Julius Caesar, 1.1.36 Also see hypophora.
Rhyme is the repetition of vowel/consonant sounds that differ only in their initial consonant sounds, e.g., find, kind, mind. “She red and hot as coals of glowing fire, / He red for shame, but frosty in desire.” Venus and Adonis, Line 35
Symploce is the repetition of a sentence with one or two words in the middle changed, e.g. Saint Paul wrote, “Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I,” (2 Corinthians 11:22)
Synonymia is the stringing together a series of synonyms to emphasise a point. “How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable / Seem to me all the uses of this world!” Hamlet, 1.2.133
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> > > Figures of speech: Repetition
There is a family of figures of speech where a key element is repetition, often with the attention of gaining attention or emphasizing importance. Here they are: : Repetition of same initial sound. : Summary of known facts. : Repeating last word at start of next sentence. : Repeating initial words. : Repeating same word, with meaning change. : repeating clause, reversing word order. : Repeating the final word in successive phrases. : Repeating the same vowel sound. : Enhancement of importance. : Two phrases, with reversal in second. : Repeating consonant sounds. : Correction to revise meaning. : Breaking of a rhythmic pattern. : Repeating words in the reverse order. : Repetition of the same final word or phrase. : Repetition of a word with vehemence. : Restating a point in different words. : similar endings in adjacent or parallel words. : Every clause having its own subject and verb. : Bracketing a passage with the same words. : Repeating the same sound in successive words. : Repeated patterns in a sentence. : Repetition of words of the same root. : Matching patterns across structures. : Same number of syllables in a clause. : Excessive alliteration. . Similar sounds across two clauses. : Repetition in different forms. : Repeating conjunctions. : Repeating a single word. : Repeating sounds at end of words. : Repeating synonyms for amplification. : Repeating meaning, unnecessarily. : Three components, increasing power. See also,
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What is a rhetorical device and why are they used.
As with all fields of serious and complicated human endeavor (that can be considered variously as an art, a science, a profession, or a hobby), there is a technical vocabulary associated with writing. Rhetoric is the name for the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion, and though a writer doesn’t need to know the specific labels for certain writing techniques in order to use them effectively, it is sometimes helpful to have a handy taxonomy for the ways in which words and ideas are arranged. This can help to discuss and isolate ideas that might otherwise become abstract and confusing. As with the word rhetoric itself, many of these rhetorical devices come from Greek.
Ready, set, rhetoric.
The repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables
wild and woolly, threatening throngs
Syntactical inconsistency or incoherence within a sentence especially : a shift in an unfinished sentence from one syntactic construction to another
you really should have—well, what do you expect?
Repetition of a prominent and usually the last word in one phrase or clause at the beginning of the next
rely on his honor—honor such as his?
A literary technique that involves interruption of the chronological sequence of events by interjection of events or scenes of earlier occurrence : flashback
Repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect
we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground
The repetition of a word within a phrase or sentence in which the second occurrence utilizes a different and sometimes contrary meaning from the first
we must all hang together or most assuredly we shall all hang separately
The usually ironic or humorous use of words in senses opposite to the generally accepted meanings
this giant of 3 feet 4 inches
The use of a proper name to designate a member of a class (such as a Solomon for a wise ruler) OR the use of an epithet or title in place of a proper name (such as the Bard for Shakespeare)
The raising of an issue by claiming not to mention it
we won't discuss his past crimes
An expression of real or pretended doubt or uncertainty especially for rhetorical effect
to be, or not to be: that is the question
Harshness in the sound of words or phrases
An inverted relationship between the syntactic elements of parallel phrases
working hard, or hardly working?
A disjunctive conclusion inferred from a single premise
gravitation may act without contact; therefore, either some force may act without contact or gravitation is not a force
The substitution of a disagreeable, offensive, or disparaging expression for an agreeable or inoffensive one
greasy spoon is a dysphemism for the word diner
Repetition of a word or expression at the end of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect
of the people, by the people, for the people
Emphatic repetition [ this definition is taken from the 1934 edition of Webster's Unabridged dictionary ]
An interchange of two elements in a phrase or sentence from a more logical to a less logical relationship
you are lost to joy for joy is lost to you
A transposition or inversion of idiomatic word order
judge me by my size, do you?
Extravagant exaggeration
mile-high ice-cream cones
The putting or answering of an objection or argument against the speaker's contention [ this definition is taken from the 1934 edition of Webster's Unabridged dictionary ]
Understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of the contrary
not a bad singer
The presentation of a thing with underemphasis especially in order to achieve a greater effect : UNDERSTATEMENT
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them ( Metaphor vs. Simile )
drowning in money
A figure of speech consisting of the use of the name of one thing for that of another of which it is an attribute or with which it is associated
crown as used in lands belonging to the crown
The naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it
A combination of contradictory or incongruous words
cruel kindness
The use of more words than those necessary to denote mere sense : REDUNDANCY
I saw it with my own eyes
A figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by "like" or "as"
cheeks like roses
The use of a word in the same grammatical relation to two adjacent words in the context with one literal and the other metaphorical in sense
she blew my nose and then she blew my mind
A figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole (such as fifty sail for fifty ships ), the whole for a part (such as society for high society ), the species for the genus (such as cutthroat for assassin ), the genus for the species (such as a creature for a man ), or the name of the material for the thing made (such as boards for stage )
The use of a word to modify or govern two or more words usually in such a manner that it applies to each in a different sense or makes sense with only one
opened the door and her heart to the homeless boy
MORE TO EXPLORE: Rhetorical Devices Used in Pop Songs
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Figure of speech definition is the use of words or phrases in a way that goes beyond their everyday, actual meanings. It creates a special effect or paints a mental picture to help the reader or listener better understand or feel something. Unlike literal language, which is straightforward, figurative speech adds color and depth to writing and speech.
Different figures of speech help make complex ideas clearer, descriptions more vivid, and messages more powerful. For example, saying “time is a thief” is a metaphor that helps convey the idea that time can take away moments from us, much like a thief would steal.
Figurative language types are used in many forms of communication, from literature and poetry to everyday conversations, advertising slogans, and even newspaper headlines. It can make writing more interesting and engaging by creating emotional, visual, or sensory connections, making it easier for the listeners to relate to the content.
Key Takeaways
A simile is a figurative type of speech that compares two different things using the words “like,” “as,” or “than.” The objective is to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind by highlighting a specific characteristic that two things share. For instance, saying, “The boy was as brave as a lion in the jungle,” helps the reader picture a boy showing courage just like a lion, known for its bravery in the wild.
This type of figurative speech is common in everyday language and is used to make descriptions more colorful and engaging. For example, when you say, “The assistant was as busy as a bee,” you parallel the assistant’s activity to that of a bee, known for its hard work. Another example is, “Andrew was white as a sheet after he stepped out of the horror movie,” which vividly conveys how frightened he was.
Other such figure of speech examples include:
– “They fought like cats and dogs,” showing a fierce argument.
– “Her love for her children is as constant as the passing of time,” indicating unwavering affection.
By using comparisons, this type of figurative speech helps the audience connect with and better understand the subject being described.
A metaphor is a way of describing something by saying it is something else, without using “like” or “as.” This figure of speech makes a direct comparison between two different things to create a vivid picture or deeper understanding. For example, saying “Time is money” parallels time to money to show how valuable it is. The statement doesn’t mean that time literally equals money, but it emphasizes that time should be spent wisely, just like money.
This type of figurative speech can make writing more engaging and help readers connect with the meaning behind terms. For instance, saying “Love is a battlefield” suggests that love can be challenging and full of conflicts. Another example, “He was an onion,” shows that someone might have many layers to their personality that need to be peeled back to be understood.
Sometimes, this kind of figurative speech can stretch over several sentences or even a whole piece of writing. These are called extended metaphors. They help deepen the meaning by continuing the comparison for a longer time. For example, “The tall trees were curtains that surrounded us during our picnic” creates a picture of trees as if they were curtains, giving a sense of privacy and enclosure.
This type of expression of speech is a powerful tool in language because it enables writers and speakers to express complex ideas simply and creatively, helping the audience see things in a new light.
This figure of speech uses extreme exaggeration to emphasize a point, add emotion, or create humor. It’s so over-the-top that no one would actually believe the statement is true, but that’s what makes it effective. You likely use this type of figurative speech in everyday conversations without even realizing it.
For instance, when someone says, “I’ve told you a million times to wash the dishes,” they don’t mean a million times. They just want to stress how often they’ve made that request. This kind of figurative speech adds color and drama, making the message stand out.
Other common examples include:
– “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”
– “This bag weighs a ton.”
– “You snore like a freight train.”
This type of figurative speech can also bring humor or urgency to a situation. For example, saying, “If I don’t eat soon, I’m going to die of hunger,” doesn’t mean you will actually die. It just emphasizes how extremely hungry you feel.
By using this kind of figurative speech, writers and speakers can make their language more lively, vivid, and memorable.
Personification is a form of figurative speech where human characteristics are given to non-human objects, animals, or abstract ideas. This technique makes descriptions more vivid and relatable, helping readers identify with the text on a deeper level. By using this figure of speech, writers can bring life to inanimate objects or ideas, making them feel as if they have emotions, intentions, or actions like a human being.
For instance, saying “The sun greeted me when I woke up” gives the sun the human ability to greet, sparking the imagination of readers. Other examples of this kind of figurative speech include: “The car brakes screamed all through the journey,” or “The computer argued with me and refused to work.” In each case, the non-human subjects are described as if they have human traits or actions.
This figurative speech type can add color and interest to writing, allowing readers to visualize and emotionally engage with the subject matter. It makes the description more dynamic and memorable, helping to create a more engaging reading experience.
Synecdoche is a type of figurative speech where a part of something is used to represent the whole, or the whole is used to represent a part. It’s a way to make language more vivid and engaging by using familiar parts to describe something larger or vice versa.
For example, when someone says “a set of wheels,” they often mean a car. Here, “wheels,” which are just a part of the car, represent the entire vehicle. Similarly, referring to a businessman as “a suit” uses a piece of clothing to represent the person wearing it.
Other examples of synecdoche include:
– “Bread” to mean food in general or money.
– “Head” to count people or cattle.
– “Hired hands” to refer to workers.
Synecdoche can also work in the opposite way, using a whole to refer to a part. For example, when people say “New England won the game,” they are referring to the New England football team, not the entire region. Another example is “The White House issued a statement,” where the whole building represents the President or their administration.
Synecdoche adds color to language by making it more concise and imaginative, helping listeners and readers visualize and understand the context more easily.
Onomatopoeia refers to words that mimic or resemble the sounds they describe. These terms make writing more vivid and engaging by bringing the sound of the action to life for the reader. They help create a sense of reality, making it easier to imagine the scene.
Common examples of this type of figure of speech include words like “buzz,” “bang,” “splash,” and “roar.” When you read a sentence like, “The alarm clock buzzed,” you can almost hear the annoying sound it makes. Or consider, “The water splashed all over the car” — the term “splash” mimics the sound of water hitting a surface.
Using onomatopoeia can add drama, humor, or intensity to a narrative. It brings emotions and situations to life, whether it’s the “hiss” of a fireplace, the “roar” of a truck engine, or the “grumble” of a hungry stomach. These words capture the essence of the sounds around us, enhancing the reader’s experience.
An oxymoron is a figurative language where two opposite or contradictory terms are placed together to create a new meaning or emphasize a point. It often uses an adjective followed by a noun. This combination of conflicting ideas can create a striking or memorable description.
For example, in the phrase “jumbo shrimp,” the words “jumbo” and “shrimp” seem to contradict each other. “Jumbo” suggests something large, while “shrimp” usually refers to something small. However, when paired, they create a unique meaning that catches the reader’s attention. Similarly, the expression “thoughtless idea” brings together two conflicting ideas to highlight a point in an unexpected way.
Oxymorons are commonly used in writing and speech to add depth or humor. Phrases like “loud silence,” “awfully good,” or “ever-flowing stillness” use contradiction to make a point more vividly or provoke thought. The use of oxymoron can make language more interesting and add a layer of complexity to simple statements.
Litotes is a figurative language that uses understatement to emphasize a point. It often involves using a double negative to express a positive meaning. Instead of directly stating something, this figure of speech affirms an idea by negating its opposite. This form of speech can often have a subtle, sometimes sarcastic tone.
For example, saying “I can’t say I disagree” is another way of saying “I agree.” Similarly, the phrase “She’s not unkind” means “She is kind.” Other examples include “A million dollars is no small chunk of change,” which emphasizes that a million dollars is a significant amount.
Litotes is an effective way to add emphasis or irony to a statement, making the language more interesting and engaging.
An idiom is a phrase or saying whose meaning is different from the actual meaning of the terms used. These phrases are common in everyday language and are often unique to specific cultures and languages. Idioms can be hard for language learners to understand because their true meaning isn’t obvious from the words themselves.
For example, if someone says, “I have a frog in my throat,” it doesn’t mean they actually have a frog in their throat. Instead, it means they are having trouble speaking, often due to a sore throat or hoarseness.
Other idioms include “green thumb,” which means someone is good at gardening, or “raining cats and dogs,” which describes heavy rain. Another example is “throw in the towel,” which means to give up. These expressions make language colorful but can be confusing for those who don’t know their figurative meaning.
Alliteration is a literary tool where the same consonant sound is repeated at the beginning of several terms close to each other. This literary device often highlights an emotion or enhances a description. It creates a rhythmic or melodic effect that can make phrases more memorable.
For example, in “She sells seashells by the seashore,” the repetition of the “s” sound makes the line catchy and engaging. Another example is “The pitter-patter of paws echoed down the hallway,” where the repetition of the “p” sound emphasizes the soft noise of the paws.
Alliteration can also be seen in tongue twisters, where the repeated sounds challenge pronunciation, like “She sells seashells by the seashore.” This device not only adds emphasis but also adds a lyrical quality to the text.
Different types of figures of speech enrich our language by using words and phrases in creative ways that go beyond their literal meanings. All figurative language paints vivid pictures, clarifies complex ideas, and evokes emotions. Similes compare different things using “like” or “as” to make descriptions more engaging, while metaphors create direct comparisons to offer deeper insights. Hyperboles use exaggeration to emphasize points or add humor, and personification gives human traits to non-human elements to make descriptions more relatable.
Figurative language appears across various forms of communication, from everyday conversations to literature and advertising. It transforms ordinary speech into something more memorable and impactful, helping the audience connect more deeply with the content. By understanding and using these figures of speech, we can make our communication more dynamic and expressive.
1. What is a figure of speech?
A figure of speech uses terms or phrases in ways that go beyond their actual meanings to create vivid images or emotional effects. It helps make writing and speech more engaging and expressive.
2. What is a simile?
This figurative speech type compares two things using “like” or “as.” For example, “brave as a lion” helps create a strong image of bravery.
3. What is a metaphor?
This type of figurative speech describes something by saying it is something else, without using “like” or “as.” For example, “Time is money” suggests time is valuable, like money.
4. What is hyperbole used for?
This kind of figurative speech involves extreme embellishments to emphasize a point or add humor. For example, “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” is not literal but highlights intense hunger.
At Prezentium, we know that making a memorable impact goes beyond straightforward language. Figurative speech can transform your presentations into powerful tools that captivate and engage your audience. Imagine describing your latest project as “a beacon in a sea of mediocrity” or using an idiom to convey the depth of your ideas—these techniques can make your message stand out.
With our Overnight Presentations , we ensure that your key points are highlighted with the right figures of speech, tailored to your audience. Our Accelerators help you craft visuals and templates that make your comparisons and descriptions shine. And through Zenith Learning , we provide workshops that teach you to harness these expressive tools effectively.
Let Prezentium help you turn your presentations into compelling stories that resonate and inspire. Reach out today to see how our expertise can elevate your communication.
Why wait? Avail a complimentary 1-on-1 session with our presentation expert. See how other enterprise leaders are creating impactful presentations with us.
Visual communication: benefits, importance, and examples, 7 public speaking tips for enhancing your public speaking abilities.
What is assonance? Here's a quick and simple definition:
Assonance is a figure of speech in which the same vowel sound repeats within a group of words. An example of assonance is: "Wh o gave N ew t and Sc oo ter the bl ue t u na? It was t oo s oo n!"
Some additional key details about assonance:
Here's how to pronounce assonance: ass -uh-nuhnce
Assonance is identical to another figure of speech called consonance , with one critical difference: assonance has to do with repeated vowel sounds, whereas consonance has to do with repeated consonant sounds.
Alliteration is another figure of speech that involves the repetition of sounds and is related to assonance. Assonance and alliteration differ in two key respects.
In practical terms, these rules mean that assonance can sometimes also be alliteration, but isn't always.
Here are two examples of assonance that is also alliteration. In the first example, the assonance occurs at the beginning of words in the group. In the second example, assonance always occurs on stressed syllables of words (note that the second syllables of the words "decline" and "define" are the stressed syllables):
In the example below, assonance is not also alliteration, because the repeating vowel sound almost never occurs on either the first or stressed syllables (only on "imp" does it do either):
If you read this example aloud, and also read aloud the assonance examples that are alliteration, you'll sense that, while both have repeating vowel sounds, the examples that are also alliteration have a kind of rhythm to them that non-alliterative assonance lacks.
Assonance also plays a role in rhyme . Rhyme is the repetition of identical sounds located at the ends of words. Rhymes can be either repeated consonant sounds or vowel sounds (or combinations of the two). A rhyme, then, can be assonant, but not all rhymes are assonant. Here's an example of assonance functioning as rhyme at the end of lines three and four of the limerick below:
There once was a man named Clark Whose dog refused to bark But when he gave the dog p ie It stopped being so sh y And is loud nonstop until dark
Assonance also plays a noticeable role in slant rhyme , a type of rhyme formed by words with sounds that are similar but not identical. Slant rhymes often pair similar vowel sounds with dissimilar consonant sounds, which means that slant rhymes often contain assonance. In the example below from the song "N.Y. State of Mind" the rapper Nas uses assonance to create slant rhymes between the first syllable of "prosperous," the word "cops," and the first syllable of the word "hostages." In addition, the assonance of the "uh" sound in final syllables of "prosperous," "dangerous," and "could just" establishes the slant rhyme that ends with the slightly different vowel sound in "hostages."
And be pr o sper ou s, though we live danger ou s C o ps could j u st arrest me, blamin’ us, we’re held like h o stages
Assonance is common in all sorts of writing, including poetry and prose literature, as well as song lyrics.
In both poetry and prose, assonance's repetition of sound can give language a musical element, as well as emphasize sounds or words that particularly resonate with the ideas or themes of the work. When assonance is also alliterative, it can add rhythm to text, too.
Here, the long-i sound is assonant, and its repetition emphasizes how the sound itself seems to embody the feeling being described, that of longing and sighing—of emotional turmoil. Assonance is particularly useful for this kind of sonic demonstration of feeling.
"O m igh t those s igh s and tears returns again ..."
This poem contains both assonance and alliteration. The "ee" sound in "each," "piece," and "meat" slows down that particular sequence, rendering especially vivid the eating of the turtle soup.
"Ted takes you to Chinatown for turtle Soup, ea ch p ie ce of its floating m ea t Wholly disparate ..."
In these lines from Book XII of Lattimore's translation of Homer's Iliad the assonance helps reinforce the lulling effect of the winds' sleep:
"When Zeus ... st i lls the winds asleep i n the sol i d dr i ft ..."
The Seafarer is an Old English poem. In Old English poetry, rhyme was much less common, and assonance and consonance much more prevalent. In this translation of the poem by Ezra Pound, the assonance helps to emphasize the "harshness" described in the lines, through the repetition of the "-ar" sound.
Journey's j ar gon, how I in h ar sh days H ar dship endured oft.
In this example, the assonance reinforces the repetition of the surname Bon, which is itself the French word for "good," thus drawing a contrast between the continued presence of "goodness" and the "getting rid of" described.
"So it took Charles B o n and his mother to get rid of old T o m, and Charles B o n and the o ctoroon to get rid of Judith, and Charles B o n and Clytie to get rid of Henry; and Charles B o n's mother and Charles B o n's grandmother g o t rid of Charles B o n."
In this example from the first chapter of Alice Walker's The Color Purple , the insistence of the repeated "i" sounds intensifies the staccato present in these lines and establishes the narrator's tone—a combination of fear, intense description, and melancholy remembrance.
She got s i cker an s i cker. Finally she ast Where i t i s? I say God took i t. He took i t. He took i t while I was sleeping. K i lt i t out there i n the woods. K i ll th i s one too, i f he can.
Assonance is also common in song lyrics. It can help to emphasize words and ideas, make connections across lines of lyrics, and when assonance is also alliteration it can help to build rhythm in the lyrics, as well.
Assonance in "Painter in Your Pocket" by Destroyer
"And I 'm rem i nded of the t i me that I was bl i nded b y the sun It was a welcome change From the s i ght of you hanging L i ke a willow
In this example, there are two sets of assonant sounds, one set on the long "e" sound, and another on the short "a" sound.
Undern ea th the bridge The tarp has sprung a l ea k A nd the a nimals I've tr a pped H a ve all become my pets And I'm living off of gr a ss A nd the drippings from the c ei ling But it's okay to ea t fish 'Cause they don't have any f ee lings
Eminem uses assonance in complicated ways throughout his songs, giving them additional rhythm and structure. This example from "Without Me" is a good example:
Some v o dka that'll jump st a rt my h ea rt quicker Than a sh o ck when I get sh o cked at the h o spital By the d o ctor when I 'm not co- o perating When I 'm r o cking the table wh i le he's o perating
Assonance is, fundamentally, an intensifier of language. This intensifying occurs in several senses.
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In addition to using repeating words and phrases as a literary device, writers may use repetition of sounds as well. Overall, the repetition of sound can provide rhythm, pacing, and musicality to a work of poetry or prose.These types of repeated sounds are consonance, assonance, and alliteration.. Consonance is the repetition of a consonant sound in a group of words, such as there is little ...
These figures of speech can vary in the things they repeat (sounds, words, phrases, etc.) as well as in the specific order in which the repeated words appear in clauses or sentences. The most common repetition figures of speech are: Alliteration: The repetition of the same sound in a group of words, such as the "b" sound in: "Bob brought ...
Here are 10 types of repetition, accompanied by examples of each: 1. Anaphora. Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases. One of the most famous anaphora examples comes from Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I have a dream" speech: "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up ...
Repetition is a figure of speech where a word or phrase within a sentence is repeated. It is done for emphasis or for poetic effect. It is a very frequently used figure of speech. Daily Grammar Test - Attempt Now
Example 1. Repetition is a very popular way of adding stress and power when delivering a speech. Throughout history, people have used repetition to make sure that their audiences will remember and repeat their phrases and ideas; for example Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream": Martin Luther King, Jr.
Repetition is not intuitive. People don't generally want to repeat themselves, and yet, some of history's most famous speeches—from Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" to Winston Churchill's "We Shall Fight on These Beaches"—contain repetition. Used intentionally in the right context, repetition can be a powerful tool to make an audience savor words, understand a point ...
Repetition as a Rhetorical Device. Rhetoric is a type of communication that is used to persuade an audience to adopt a particular belief or position. It is often done by media outlets, political ...
Epizeuxis or palilogia: Repetition of the same word or phrase without any words in between. For example, the first three words of the folk song "Row, row, row your boat.". Diacope: Similar to epizeuxis, this is the repetition of a word or phrase with only one or two words between the repeated words. "Diacope" comes from the Greek for ...
Repetition is the simple repeating of a word, within a short space of words (including in a poem), with no particular placement of the words to secure emphasis. It is a multilinguistic written or spoken device, frequently used in English and several other languages, such as Hindi and Chinese, and so rarely termed a figure of speech .
There are several types of repetition commonly used in both prose and poetry. As a rhetorical device, it could be a word, a phrase, or a full sentence, or a poetical line repeated to emphasize its significance in the entire text. Repetition is not distinguished solely as a figure of speech, but more as a rhetorical device. Types of Repetition
Figures of speech can take many forms. A figure of speech can involve a single word, a phrase, an omission of a word or phrase, a repetition of words or sounds, or specific sentence structures. Figure of Speech Pronunciation. Here's how to pronounce figure of speech: fig-yer of speech. Figures of Speech vs. Figurative Language
Speakers often forget the power of using repetition in speeches because of the negative stereotypes we have with being repetitive. Repetition means hounding, nagging, being redundant and boring. Yet we forget that some of the world's best speeches have utilized repetitive rhetorical devices to reflect. the natural rhythm of oral communication.
Anaphora. Repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses. Example : We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing-grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. Winston Churchill, Speech in the House of Commons, June 4, 1940.
Rhetorical Figures in Sound: Anaphora. Anaphora (an-NAF-ruh): Figure of repetition that occurs when the first word or set of words in one sentence, clause, or phrase is/are repeated at or very near the beginning of successive sentences, clauses, or phrases; repetition of the initial word (s) over successive phrases or clauses. Further Examples.
Chiasmus (ki-az'-mus) is the repetition of two corresponding phrases arranged in a parallel inverse order. The second half is balanced against the first but with the parts reversed. "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" Macbeth 1.1.1 . Related to antimetabole, in which the two pairs suggest opposing or opposite meanings.
figures of. repetition. Repetition is a major rhetorical strategy for producing emphasis, clarity, amplification, or emotional effect. Within the history of rhetoric terms have been developed to name both general and very specific sorts of repetition. Repetition of the same sound at the beginning of two or more stressed syllables.
Also note that the repetition of "never give in" at the beginning of the first and second clauses of the first sentence is an example of another kind of figure of speech called anaphora. As this demonstrates, epizeuxis can, of course, be used in conjunction with other figures of speech. Tony Blair's 2001 Speech on Education
There is a family of figures of speech where a key element is repetition, often with the attention of gaining attention or emphasizing importance. Here they are: Alliteration: Repetition of same initial sound. Anacephalaeosis: Summary of known facts. Anadiplosis: Repeating last word at start of next sentence.
Some figures of speech, like metaphor, simile, and metonymy, are found in everyday language. Others, like antithesis, circumlocution, and puns take more practice to implement in writing. Below are some common figures of speech with examples, so you can recognize them and use them in your writing. Give your writing extra polish.
Most Common Figures of Speech. The following are some of the most common figures of speech that appear in literature and other written forms. Alliteration: This is a scheme that uses repetition of the same first consonant sound to create a musical effect."Francine found France quite lovely" is an example of alliteration because of the repeating f sound in the words Francine, found, and France.
Alliteration is a figure of speech in which the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the "b" sound in: " B ob b rought the b ox of b ricks to the b asement.". The repeating sound must occur either in the first letter of each word, or in the stressed syllables of those words. Some additional key details about alliteration:
The repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables ... The repetition of a word within a phrase or sentence in which the second occurrence utilizes a different and sometimes contrary meaning from the first ... A figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole (such as fifty sail for fifty ...
It creates a special effect or paints a mental picture to help the reader or listener better understand or feel something. Unlike literal language, which is straightforward, figurative speech adds color and depth to writing and speech. Different figures of speech help make complex ideas clearer, descriptions more vivid, and messages more powerful.
Alliteration is another figure of speech that involves the repetition of sounds and is related to assonance. Assonance and alliteration differ in two key respects. Types of repeating sounds: Assonance involves the repetition of only vowel sounds, whereas alliteration can involve the repetition of either vowel sounds or consonant sounds.