Introduction
The mere mention of figures of speech can be confusing for some. That's because figures of speech are sometimes assumed to be the same as parts of speech. Parts of speech is the general name that refer to nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, interjections, articles. On the other hand, figures of speech is the general name that refer to metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, irony, etc.
Types of meanings
A word or a group of words can have two (2) meanings: literal or literary meanings. What is implied or meant by literal meaning is ordinary meaning. This is the common meaning of words often provided by the dictionary. This type of meaning is also called denotative meaning.
On the other hand, what is implied by literary meaning is meaning beyond the literal (or ordinary) meaning. This type of meaning is also called connotative meaning. It is also called figurative meaning.
Take for instance if you are asked the meaning of 'kick', you will probably consult the dictionary and read out the meaning or give the meaning as to hit something or someone with foot. Fine.
However, in the expression, kick the bucket, the literal (ordinary or denotative) meaning of 'kick' does not apply because it now has another meaning; a connotative meaning. The connotative meaning of the expression kick the bucket is a metaphor for death.
By the way, all idiomatic expressions are metaphorical.
A connotative meaning is usually known from the context in which it is used. Students can also get themselves familiarised with connotative meaning by reading literary works (novels, play - drama and poems).
Figures of speech
The connotative use of words is what is referred to as figure of speech. That is the use of a word or a group of words to convey a meaning beyond the literal (ordinary or denotative) sense.
Examples of figures of speech include the following.
i. Metaphor
ii. Simile
iii. Hyperbole
iv. Euphemism
v. Irony
vi. Personification
vii. Rhetorical Question
viii. Apostrophe
ix. Oxymoron
x. Alliteration
xi. Assonance
xii. Onamatopiea
xiii. Metonymy
xiv. Synecdoche
xv. Paradox
xvi. Imagery
xvii. Pun
The writer, Olabanji O. Odurombi, is also the author of A Text of English Sounds. For purchase, or general enquiries, he can be contacted via SMS, voice call, or WhatsApp on 08037699294.
Thank you for reading.
0 Comments