The figure of speech means the shape/ purpose of speech or statement. When we make sentences or speeches we have to follow two things. 1) Parts of the speech. 2) the figures of the speech. The general elements of a language through which we form proper sentences are called parts of speech. so the second thing is the purpose of the speech which means what we convey in our sentences.
The Figure of Speech and Use of Metaphor:
A metaphor is a figure of speech that modifies an object or action so that it isn’t true but helps explain an idea or make a comparison between two different classes. With metaphors, words or phrases that are ordinarily applied to one thing are applied to something you wouldn’t necessarily pair it with.
(E.g.)
- Marry is a couch potato.
In this sentence, ‘Mary’ is a person who is compared to a couch potato. Though he is a man,
the potato is a vegetable. We have compared their quality.
Here are the basic figures of speech:
- A metaphor states that one thing is another thing.
- It equates those two things not because they are the same, but for the sake of comparison or symbolism.
- If you take a metaphor literally, it will probably sound very strange (are there actually any sheep, black or otherwise, in your family?)
- We use Metaphors in literature and poetry, and time can add some color to their language also.
Some common examples of metaphors:
- He is a shining star.
- Time is money.
- Kim is a chicken.
- John is a lion.
- Tom is a cat.
- My brother is a dragon.
- His heart is a rock.
- Hard work is the key to success.
- Her eyes were fireflies.
- My words are a chain of wood.
Metaphor Definition and Examples.
- When we make a comparison between two, unlike things without the connectives.
- A word or phrase for one thing that is used to refer to another thing to show or suggest that they are similar
- An object, activity, or idea that is used as a symbol of something else
Metaphors refer to words or expressions that mean something different from their literal meaning. In the case of metaphors, the literal interpretation would often be pretty silly. Metaphors are a form of figurative language too.
Metaphors are mostly used in literature, poetry, music, and writing, but also in speech.
“Metaphorically speaking,” the purpose of this type of speaking should not be taken seriously because it probably means that you shouldn’t take what they said as the truth, but as more of an idea. For example, Kim is a chicken. So this is an example of speaking metaphorically or figuratively.
As per our concern Metaphors can make your words come to life (or in the case of the exam, to death). Mostly, you can use a metaphor to make your subject more connected to the reader or to make a complex thought easier to understand.
Take these famous metaphor examples:
- America has tossed its cap over the wall of space.
John F. Kennedy - Chaos is a friend of mine.
Bob Dylan - A good conscience is a continual Christmas.
Benjamin Franklin
What is Simile?
It is a comparison made between two items from different classes with the help of connectives
Such as: ‘like’ ‘as’ ‘than’ or by the use of some verbs like seems, appears.
Some common examples:
- He fought like a lion.
In this sentence, we have compared a human with a lion. It means that his fighting was like a lion that fights very dangerously in the forest. No, the animal can resist a lion.
Note: If the objects compared are from the same class then there are no similes.
Like: He is like him.
Because both of them are human and from the same class.
Some common examples of similes.
- The baby is as cute as a kitten.
- She is as ugly as a monkey.
- They fought like cats and dogs.
- She eats like a horse.
- Her eyes are like the eyes of a hawk.
- The man smokes like a chimney.
- Their eyes were shining like a star.
- Labor should be as busy as a bee.
- I am as brave as a lion.
- My love is like a red rose
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