Figurative language creates non-literal meanings through adding, deleting, or changing words and ideas. Some languages have more figures of speech, like simile, metaphor, irony, and hyperbole. These can clarify or confuse a topic. Figures of speech deal with implications, not reality, and can vary by region. Four methods are addition, omission, transposition, and permutation. Figures of speech can be used in creative writing, humor, or everyday language.
A figure of speech creates figurative rather than literal meaning for a word or phrase by adding, deleting, or changing words and ideas in a phrase. In other words, the typical definition or commonly assumed meaning or structure of the word or phrase does not apply. Some languages, such as the English language, contain more elements of figurative speech than others. In such languages, examples of figures of speech might include the following: simile, metaphor, irony, and hyperbole. These methods can be used to creatively draw attention to a topic, to help clarify a topic, or even to confuse a topic.
Figurative language deals with implications rather than reality. In other words, what an individual says or writes may not correlate with what an individual actually means. Such techniques are common in some dialects and languages. Thus, figures of speech may be non-existent in some regions or have limited use. Different structures and methods can be implemented in the regions that use them.
In general, four methods can be applied in creating a figure of speech. An individual might add material to a sentence, such as extra words or letters. Likewise, the material can be taken away. These figures of speech are called addition and omission, respectively. The third structural type is transposition, which involves moving material in a sentence from one place to another. A fourth category, permutation, is not about structural change but is concerned with transforming the meaning of a word or phrase.
The specific types of figures of speech are numerous, but some of the most abundant varieties involve comparisons and contrasts. In the English language, for example, simile, metaphor, idiom and allegory are just some of the methods used to mentally create a connection between different people, places or objects. If one compares time with an elderly man, the confrontation is not meant to take place on a physical, manifest level, but rather on an abstract level. Conversely, methods such as oxymorons and irony can highlight the differences between ideas in an abstract way.
As a form of communication, a figure of speech can be employed in several ways. Creative writers can use the various techniques to add voice and color to their works. Humorists often use methods such as puns and hyperbole to exaggerate or put a new perspective on a topic in an entertaining way. Even the everyday spoken language in some regions is populated by various figures of speech.
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