Chiasmus: Definition, Examples, and How It Works
Some lines are memorable not because they use difficult words, but because they are carefully balanced. That is one reason chiasmus is so powerful. It gives a sentence a turning…
Figures of Speech
Figures of speech use words in expressive or nonliteral ways to create emphasis, comparison, imagery, contrast, rhythm, or a stronger effect. They appear in everyday conversation, literature, speeches, advertising, and many other forms of communication.
Start with 28 Figures of Speech in English for an overview of the main types and examples. You can then explore detailed lessons on simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, irony, oxymoron, euphemism, paradox, rhetorical questions, and other figures of speech.
Read MoreChiasmus: Definition, Examples, and How It Works
Synecdoche: Definition, Examples, and How It Works
Synecdoche is a literary device where you refer to something by using a part of it or, in some cases, the whole to represent a part. You already hear this in…
Epiphora Explained: Simple Definition, Examples, and How It Works
Epiphora, also called epistrophe, is a figure of speech where the same word or phrase is repeated at the end of sentences or clauses to create emphasis. You notice it…
What Is Antithesis? Definition, Meaning, and Examples
Antithesis is a literary device that brings two opposite ideas together so the contrast feels clear and immediate. You notice it when a sentence pulls in two directions at once.…
What Is Anaphora? Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English
Anaphora is a figure of speech where the same word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of sentences or clauses to create emphasis. You hear it more often than…
Metonymy: Definition, Examples, and How It Works
Metonymy is a way of referring to something by using a word that is closely connected to it. Instead of naming the thing directly, you use a related term that…
What Is Dramatic Irony? Definition, Examples, and Differences
Dramatic irony happens when you know something that a character does not. This difference in knowledge changes how you see the situation as it unfolds. Imagine watching a scene where…
Situational Irony: Definition, Examples, and How It Works
Situational irony happens when the outcome of a situation is very different from what you expect. It creates a moment of surprise that makes you pause and rethink what just…
100+ Examples of Situational Irony (Clear & Relatable)
Situational irony shows up when the result of a situation is very different from what you expect. These moments stand out because they go against what seems logical or likely.…