Figure of speech

A figure of speech, sometimes termed a rhetorical figure or device, or elocution, is a word or phrase that departs from straightforward, literal language. Figures of speech are often used and crafted for emphasis, freshness of expression, or clarity. However, clarity may also suffer from their use.

Related Topics:
Rhetoric - Elocution

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Note that not all theories of meaning necessarily have a concept of "literal language" (see literal and figurative language). Under theories that do not, figure of speech is not an entirely coherent concept.

Related Topics:
Meaning - Literal and figurative language

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As an example of the figurative use of a word, consider the sentence, I am going to crown you. It may mean:

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• I am going to place a literal crown on your head.
• I am going to symbolically exalt you to the place of kingship.
• I am going to punch you in the head with my clenched fist.
• I am going to put a second checker on top of your checker to signify that it has become a king.
 
Figure of speech: Classification ►