A figure of thought is a method of presenting ideas in a skillful way, making a connection with logic or emotion. It differs from a figure of speech, which uses specific words. The purpose is to enhance communication and convey abstract concepts concisely.
A figure of thought is a rhetorical device in language. In a very broad sense, it is a method of presenting ideas, feelings or concepts in a skillful way. The method of presentation is different from what a person might consider “ordinary”. Also known as an argument of invention, a figure of thought usually makes some connection with a person’s sense of logic or emotion. It involves more than what is actually said, forcing the listener or reader to draw on their own experience and culture for meaning.
If someone says, “Words cannot express how upset I am,” they are using a technique known as aporia. This technique says that there is no way to talk about it, but with this phrasing, they still get the concept of being upset, invite the listener or reader to understand that the degree of distress is high and get the reader or listener to think back to his life-changing experiences for reference. This is very different from using very literal terms to explain what is wrong, why the person is communicating via the concept.
Sometimes people confuse the figure of thought with the figure of speech. These two devices are closely related in purpose but are not identical. The main difference is that a figure of speech often uses specific words and word orders that become commonplace or even clichéd through usage; it essentially functions as another word in the language. An example is saying a girl is “pretty as a picture”. With a figure of thought, the exact choice and order of words are less important than the general, larger idea behind the communication.
Because of the similar purpose and confusion between a figure of thought and a figure of speech, even professional linguists don’t always agree on how to classify specific figurative devices. This is evident when looking at the device listings. In reality, sometimes there is some overlap. Some linguists argue that the distinction between figure of thought and figure of speech is not particularly necessary.
The purpose of a figure of thought is twofold. First, it enhances the broader aesthetic impression of the communication, making it seem more elite, mastered, or beautiful. Second, a figure of thought allows an individual to convey more abstract concepts that may not actually be definable in concrete terms. In some cases, using a figure of thought ends up being more concise than if a person were trying to describe everything behind the idea.
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