ICSE Class 10 Answered

There are around 200 figures of speech in English. Hence it is difficult to explain each one of them. However, we have added the important ones that are generally asked in the exams.

The common types of figures of speech are as follows:

Simile- The comparison is made between two things.

eg: She is like a rose.

Metaphor- It is like a simile but the comparison is direct.

eg:- She is a rose

Onomatopoeia: The sounds of things are expressed through words.

eg: The clicking of her high heels.

Alliteration- The first consonant sounds of words are repeated.

eg: The long and languid ordeal.

Repetition- The words are repeated for a poetic effect.

eg: On and on the rain will fall.                

Hyperbole- Exaggeration of ideas

Eg- She cried for thousand nights.

He was the happiest man in the world.

Antithesis- Opposing ideas are brought together.

To err is human; to forgive is divine.

Man proposes; God disposes.

Personification: Giving human qualities to non-living things.

Eg. The rain danced.

The flowers smiled.

Euphemeism: Using a milder term for a harsh word/idea.

Eg: He is mentally unsound. (Milder term for mad)

Her grandmother is with God. (Milder term for dead)