figure-of speech

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A word or phrase used in a non-literal sense for rhetorical or vivid effect: A "figure of speech" is an expression that departs from the ordinary or literal meaning of words to achieve a special effect, such as emphasis, freshness, or clarity. This includes devices like metaphor, simile, hyperbole, and irony.

Usage Examples

• (This is a non-literal expression used for vivid description.)
• (This is a metaphor, a type of figure of speech.)

Advanced Usage

• "a mere figure of speech": an expression not meant to be taken literally; often used to downplay the seriousness of a statement.

  • "When I said I could eat a horse, it was just a figure of speech." (I was exaggerating for effect, not literally meaning I could eat an entire horse.)

• "trope": a broader term for a figure of speech that involves a turn of meaning, such as metaphor or irony.

  • "The author uses the trope of the 'hero's journey' as a figure of speech to explore personal growth." (A recurring pattern in storytelling.)

Variants and Related Words

• Figure of speech (n): the singular form; also written as figure-of-speech (hyphenated as a compound noun).
• Figurative (adj): using figures of speech; not literal.
  • "The poem uses figurative language to evoke emotions." (It employs metaphors, similes, etc.)
• Figuratively (adv): in a metaphorical or non-literal manner.
  • "He was figuratively drowning in work." (He was overwhelmed, not literally underwater.)

Synonyms

• Rhetorical device: a technique used in writing or speech to achieve a particular effect.
• Trope: a common or overused figure of speech.
• Literary device: a broader category that includes figures of speech.

Related Idioms

• "Take it figuratively": to interpret something as a figure of speech rather than literally.

  • "When he said 'I'm dying of laughter,' you should take it figuratively." (It is an exaggeration, not a medical condition.)

• "No figure of speech": used to emphasize that something is literally true, not exaggerated.

  • "I have a million things to do — and that's no figure of speech." (I truly have an enormous number of tasks.)