FiguresofSpeech英文修辞手法
Figures of Speech
Figures of speech are forms of expression that depart from normal word or ntence order or from the common literal meanings of words, for the purpo of achieving a special effect. Figures of speech exist in almost endless variety and many are cloly related or intricately overlap, hence no completely satisfactory system of classification has ever been devid. The following are some commonly ud ones:
1. Simile
A figure that involves an expresd comparison, almost always introduced by the word “like” or “as”. The two things compared must be dissimilar and the basis of remblance is usually an abstract quality.
a. The water lay gray and wrinkled like an elephant?s skin.
b. That man can?t be trusted. He?s as slippery as an eel.
c. What sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the soul.
2. Metaphor
The substitution of one thing for another, or the identification of two things from different ranges of thought. It is often looly defined as “an implied comparison,” “a sim ile without …like? or …as?”. Examples:
a. Irrigation is the lifeblood of agriculture.
b. The flames of rebellion were kindled in cret.
3. Personification
A figure of speech that gives human form or feelings to animals, o朝代历史
r life and personal attributes to inanimate objects, or to ideas and abstractions. There are three chief kinds of personifications:
1) That produced by the u of adjectives: the blushing ro; the thirsty ground
2) That produced by the u of verbs: the kettle sings; the waves danced
3) That produced by the u of nouns: the smiles of spring; the whisper of leaves
More examples:
a. The match will soon be over and defeat is staring us in the face.
b. This time fate was smiling to him.
4. Metonymy
The substitution of the name of one thing for that of another with which it is cloly associated. For example:
a. The pen is mightier than the sword.
b. Gray hairs should be respected.
Metonymy can be derived from various sources— from names of persons, from animals,
professions, locations or place names, etc., as illustrated below:
A. Names of persons: Uncle Sam: The United States of America
B. Animals: the bear: the former Soviet Union or the Soviet government
C. Parts of the body: a) heart: feelings or emotions
b) head, brain: wisdom, intelligence, reason
Examples: Her heart ruled her head.
U your brains.
D. Professions: a) the bar: the legal profession
b) the press: newspapers; newspaper reporters
E. Locations of government, of business or industrial enterpris
a) Downing Street: the British government or cabinet
b)The White Hou: the President or Executive branch of the U.S. Government
c) the Pentagon: the U.S. military establishment
d) Wall Street: U.S. financial circles
e) Hollywood: American film-making industry
5. Synecdoche
A. The naming of a part to mean the whole. For example:
e.g.: We are short of hands. b. a fleet of 50 sails
B. The naming of the material for the thing made. e.g.: Have you any coppers?
C. The naming of the genus for the species. e.g.: He is a poor creature.
D. The naming of an individual for a class. e.g. He is the Newton of this century.
6. Euphemism
The substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or
suggest something unpleasant.
A. Death, Illness, Old Age, etc.
Examples: to die---- to pass away; one?s heart has stopped beating
old people---- nior citizens
fat people---- weight- watchers
B. Toilet Habits, etc.
Examples: go to the toilet---- visit the necessary; answer nature?s call;
C. Poverty and Unemployment
Example: slums---- sub-standard housing
D. Menial jobs or professions of low social standing
Example: undertaker---- mortician
Manicurist---- a nail technician
garbage man---- sanitation engineer
E. Political and Military activities
For example: invasion---- military action
refugee---- displaced person
retreat---- adjustment of the front; redeployment
7. Hyperbole
A conscious exaggeration for the sake of emphasis, not intended to be understood literally. For example:
a. The wave ran mountain high.
b. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.
8. Antithesis
The tting of contrasting phras opposite each other for emphasis. In true antithesis the opposition between the elements is manifested through parallel grammatical structure. For example:
