【VIP专享】top 20 figures of speeches

Introduction:Speeches have the power to inspire, motivate, and transform lives. Over the years, many influential figures have delivered powerful speechesthat have left a lasting impact on their audiences. Here, we present the top 10 inspirational speeches in the world, showcasing the wisdom, courage, and determination of these remarkable individuals.1. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech is one of the most iconic speeches in American history. Delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, King's powerful words called for an end to racial segregation and discrimination. His dream of a world where people are judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin, continues to inspire millions.2. Nelson Mandela's Speech at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony (1993)Nelson Mandela's speech at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is a testament to his resilience and compassion. After spending 27 years in prison, Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize for his fight against apartheid. His speech emphasized the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity, and it inspired people worldwide to work towards a more just and peaceful world.3. Steve Jobs' Stanford University Commencement Speech (2005)In his Stanford University commencement speech, Steve Jobs shared his personal story and imparted valuable life lessons. He discussed his experiences with failure, his passion for creativity, and the importance of following one's dreams. Jobs' words reminded graduates to live with passion, to pursue their dreams, and to make a difference in the world.4. Malala Yousafzai's Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech (2014)Malala Yousafzai, the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate, delivered a powerful acceptance speech that highlighted the importance of education for girls. In her speech, Malala shared her own experiences of being targeted by the Taliban for advocating for girls' education andcalled for global action to ensure that every child has access to education.5. Winston Churchill's "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" Speech (1940)Winston Churchill's "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" speech is a classic example of oratory at its finest. Delivered during the early stages of World War II, Churchill's words united the British people in the face of German aggression. His determination and resilience inspired his nation to stand strong against the enemy.6. Mahatma Gandhi's "My Experiments with Truth" Speech (1929)Mahatma Gandhi's "My Experiments with Truth" speech is a reflection on his life and his commitment to non-violence and truth. In this speech, Gandhi shared his journey towards his philosophy of non-violent resistance and his belief in the power of truth and love. His words continue to inspire activists and peacekeepers around the world.7. John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address (1961)John F. Kennedy's inaugural address is a defining moment in American history. In his speech, Kennedy called on the American people to face the challenges of the Cold War and to work together for the betterment of the nation. His words of unity, service, and dedication continue to inspire generations.8. Oprah Winfrey's TED Talk: "The Power of Vulnerability" (2010)Oprah Winfrey's TED Talk, "The Power of Vulnerability," delves into her personal experiences with vulnerability and the importance of embracing it. In this speech, Winfrey encourages her audience to be open, to be real, and to be brave. Her words remind us that vulnerability is a strength, and it is through our imperfections that we connect with others.9. Michelle Obama's Commencement Speech at Wellesley College (2016)In her commencement speech at Wellesley College, Michelle Obama shared her journey and the lessons she learned along the way. She emphasizedthe importance of authenticity, the power of mentorship, and the value of perseverance. Obama's speech inspired graduates to embrace their unique identities and to make a positive impact in the world.10. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "The Drum Major Instinct" Speech (1968)Martin Luther King Jr.'s "The Drum Major Instinct" speech is a profound reflection on the human need for recognition and the importance of serving others. In this speech, King encourages his audience to pursue their dreams, to be humble, and to use their talents for the greater good. His words serve as a reminder that true greatness comes from serving others.Conclusion:These top 10 inspirational speeches have left an indelible mark on history and continue to inspire millions. From leaders to everyday individuals, these speeches remind us of the power of words, the importance of perseverance, and the potential for change. As we listen to these speeches, let us be reminded of our own dreams and the courage it takes to pursue them.。

Figures of Speech1.Similea.likee.g. 1) Living without an aim is like sailing without a compass.2) Marriage is like a beleaguered fortress those whoare without want to get in, and those who arewithin want to get out.b. ase.g. 1) I am as light as feather. I am as happy as angel. Iam as merry as a school boy. I am as giddy as adrunken man.2) as firm as a rock as close as an oysteras mute as a fish as strong as a horseas cool as a cucumber as sober as a judgeas sure as a gun as stupid as an assas fit as a fiddle as light as a feather c. subjunctivee.g. My handwriting looks as if a swarm of ants,escaping from an ink bottle, but walked over a sheet of paper without wiping their legs.d. whatA is toB what X is to Y: What X is to Y, A is to B1) Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.2) What blood vessel is to a man’s body, that railway is to transportation.e. thane.g. He had no more idea of money than a cow.f. ande.g. Truth and roses have thorns about them.2. MetaphorNouna. Tenor to be Vehiclee.g. 1) All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.2) Hold fast to dreams,For if dreams die,Life is a broken-winged bird,That can not fly.A (the)+ Vehicle +of +Tenor (of)e.g. A carpet of green grass covered the slope of mountain.A flood of bitternessA storm of indignationThe tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.Verb: the tenor doesn’t appear, the verb acts as the vehiclee.g. 1) The case snowballed into one of the most famoustrials in U.S. history.2) Some books are to be tasted; others swallowed;and some few to be chewed and digested.3) He wormed himself into our confidence.4) He wolfed down his supper.Adjectivee.g. The mountainous waves swallowed up the ships.3.Metonymy(1)以事物的特征代事物本身1) He wandered, slaying whatever of fur and feather came in his way.2) the red coats dark horseblue ribbon black sheep(2)以工具代替动作或行为者Beneath the rule of men entirely greatThe pen is mightier than the sword.(3)以容器代替其中内容The kettle is boiling.Whenever my husband has a bad day at the office, he hits the bottle.(4)以人体器官代替其功能She has the eye for the fair and the beautiful.(5)以人或动物代替其特征The wolf and the pig mingled together in his face.(6)以原材料代替制成品The 25th Games in Barcelona saw 4 golds and 5 silvers in swimming fall into China’s pockets.(7)以作者或生产者代替作品或产品The captain had fallen in possession of a complete Shakespeare.He is driving a Ford.(8)以具体事物代替抽象事物Although his plan had not completely succeeded, she gave him a pat on the back for having tried so hard.(9)以抽象事物代替具体事物It was not only writers, you know, it was a thoroughly representative gathering--- science, politics, business, art, the world.(10)以事物活动的处所代替事物或活动者1) The field was won after two hours of fighting.2) Kremlin The PentagonHollywood Downing Street4.Personification1.The clock on the wall ticked loudly and lazily, as if it had tome to spare. Outside the rattling windows there was a restless whispering wind. The room grew light and dark, and wonderous light again, as the moon played hide-and-seek through the clouds.2.A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.3.Don’t talk to me about no opportunity any more. Opportunity’s knocking down every door in the country, trying to get in. When I was young, a man had to go out and find opportunity and drag it home by theears.5. Euphemism1.) Illness:look off color, under the weather, long illness, social disease2.) Disabled:handicapped, inconvenienced, hard ofhearing, auditory-impaired,sight-deprived, visually retarded3) Old-age: advanced in age, past one’s prime, feel one’sage, golden age, sunset years, senior citizen,the longer living4) Death: go west, be at rest, be sleep in the Arms of God, to the way of all flesh, join one’s ancestors, return to dust, breathe one’s last, pass away, run one’s race, be no longer with us, be gone, knock off, leave us, quitted this world, depart from us, check out, fall asleep, closed his eyes, if anyone happened to someone, He is finished.5) Body: in a state of nature, in one’s birthday suitpass air, let a breeze, make a noise, wash one’shands, relieve oneself, answer the call of nature 6) Profession: shoetrician, garbologist, domesticengineer, beautician, meat-cutter,domestic help7) Politics:DP, energy release, eyes only, ongoingsituation, to knock doors8) Crime: to hook, to palm, to work the hole, to walk away with: to blow snow, to lie down, to trip out, Lady Snow, joy powder: to fix, to oil, kickback, protection money: to disappear, to die in a necktie, to go cool; to walk the last mile6. Exaggeration (Hyperbole/Overstatement) Compare: a. He ran down the avenue, making a loud noise.b. He ran down the avenue, making a noiselike ten horses at a gallop.e.g. His eloquence would split rocks.It is the last straw that breaks the camel’s back.This made him roar like a thousand bulls. (number)It’s a crime to stay inside on such a beautiful day. (noun)Everyone bowed, including the Westerners. Afterthree days in Japan, the spinal column becomes extraordinarily flexible. ( adjective)Some movie stars wear their sunglasses even in churches; they are afraid God might recognize them and ask for autograph. (subjunctive)The most effective water power in the world---women’s tears.“Polly, I love you. You are the whole world to me, and the moon and the stars and the constellation of space.”7. UnderstatementCompare: a. We can solve this problem.b. This problem is not above us.1. No one was more willing to do a favor for friend or neighbor than he.2. Some of the items are good; others might be better.3. He is a man not without ambition.4. The face wasn’t a bad one; it had what they called charm.5. During last year’s Central Park Bicycle Race, five ofthe racers were attacked and had their bikes stolen while the race was in progress. This is something of a handicap in a bicycle race.8. Oxymorone.g. The mother is undergoing the joyful pain, and thepainful joy of childbirth.I despise its very vastness and power. It has thepoorest millionaires, the littlest great men, the haughtiest beggars, the plainest beauties, the lowest skyscrapers, the dolefulest pleasures of any town I ever saw.Adj+n: proud humility; painful pleasure; a thunderous silenceAdj+adj: bitter-sweet memories; bad good news; a miserable, merry ChristmasAdv+adj: conspicuously absent, a wisely stupid ideaN+n: a love-hate relationship: a life-and-death struggleV+adv: die merrily; hasten slowly9. Irony1. He was such a marvelous teacher that whenever he recognized a spark of genius, you could be sure he’d water it.2. A bronco often becomes so attached to his master that he will lay down his life if necessary---his master’s life,I mean.3. I stayed in the hospital ten days with my sister who was dying. Barbara, my ex-best-friend, came to my house to look after my children. She helped things out and took my things out. She did help.10. Transferred Epithet (Hypallage)1. She tossed on her sleepless bed all last night.2. I spoke to them in hesitant French.3. People listened with open-mouthed astonishment while the shocking news sank in.4. They prolonged the clasp for the photographers, exchanging smiling words.5. An awed hush fell upon the bystanders.6. The Grapes of Wrath11. Alliteration1. In poetry:The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew,/ The furrow followed free,/ We were the first that ever burst/ Into that silent sea.2.In prose:Next to health, heart, home, happiness for mobile, Americans depends upon the automobile.3.In sayings or idiomsMoney makes the mare go.A fair face may hide a foul heart.Dumb dogs are dangerous.Neither fish, flesh, nor fowl.Safe and sound4.In advertisementSea, sun, sand, seclusion---and Spain.5.In the titles of books or articlesPride and PrejudiceSense and Sensibility6.In tongue twisterA big black bug hit a big black bear and made the big black bear bleed blood.。

Figures of SpeechFigures of speech are forms of expression that depart from normal word or sentence order or from the common literal meanings of words, for the purpose of achieving a special effect. Figures of speech exist in almost endless variety and many are closely related or intricately overlap, hence no completely satisfactory system of classification has ever been devised. The following are some commonly used ones:1. SimileA figure that involves an expressed comparison, almost always introduced by the word “like” or “as”. The two things compared must be dissimilar and the basis of resemblance 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. MetaphorThe substitution of one thing for another, or the identification of two things from different ranges of thought. It is often loosely 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 secret.3. PersonificationA figure of speech that gives human form or feelings to animals, or life and personal attributes to inanimate objects, or to ideas and abstractions. There are three chief kinds of personifications:1) That produced by the use of adjectives: the blushing rose; the thirsty ground2) That produced by the use of verbs: the kettle sings; the waves danced3) That produced by the use of nouns: the smiles of spring; the whisper of leavesMore 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. MetonymyThe substitution of the name of one thing for that of another with which it is closely 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 AmericaB. Animals: the bear: the former Soviet Union or the Soviet governmentC. Parts of the body: a) heart: feelings or emotionsb) head, brain: wisdom, intelligence, reasonExamples: Her heart ruled her head.Use your brains.D. Professions: a) the bar: the legal professionb) the press: newspapers; newspaper reportersE. Locations of government, of business or industrial enterprisesa) Downing Street: the British government or cabinetb)The White House: the President or Executive branch of the U.S. Governmentc) the Pentagon: the U.S. military establishmentd) Wall Street: U.S. financial circlese) Hollywood: American film-making industry5. SynecdocheA. The naming of a part to mean the whole. For example:e.g.: We are short of hands. b. a fleet of 50 sailsB. 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. EuphemismThe substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend orsuggest something unpleasant.A. Death, Illness, Old Age, etc.Examples: to die---- to pass away; one‟s heart has stopped beatingold people---- senior citizensfat people---- weight- watchersB. Toilet Habits, etc.Examples: go to the toilet---- visit the necessary; answer nature‟s call;C. Poverty and UnemploymentExample: slums---- sub-standard housingD. Menial jobs or professions of low social standingExample: undertaker---- morticianManicurist---- a nail techniciangarbage man---- sanitation engineerE. Political and Military activitiesFor example: invasion---- military actionrefugee---- displaced personretreat---- adjustment of the front; redeployment7. HyperboleA 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. AntithesisThe setting of contrasting phrases opposite each other for emphasis. In true antithesis the opposition between the elements is manifested through parallel grammatical structure. For example:a. Good breeding consists in concealing how much we think of ourselves and how little we think of the other person. (Mark Twain)b. A friend exaggerates a man‟s virtues, an enemy his crimes.c. If a free society cannot help the many who are poo r, it cannot save the few who are rich.9. ParadoxA statement that appears to be logically contradictory and yet may be true, the purpose of which is to provoke fresh thought. For example:a. In fact, it appears that the teachers of English teach English so poorly largely because they teach grammar so well.b. The child is father of the man. (Wordsworth)10. OxymoronA compressed paradox, formed by the conjoining of two contrasting, contradictory or incongruous terms. Like paradox, an Oxymoron initially surprises one with its incongruity of terms, which really hides a certain truth, or a significant point. For example:a. bitter-sweet memoriesb. orderly chaosc. the wisest fool in the countryd. living deathse. tearful joy11. Rhetorical questionA question neither requiring nor intended to produce a reply but asked for emphasis. The assumption is that only one answer is possible. For example:a. Was I not at the scene of the crime?b. … but can you doubt what our policy will be? (Lesson 5, Book 1)12. IronyA figure of speech that achieves emphasis by saying the opposite of what is meant, the intended meaning of the words being the opposite of their usual sense. For example:a. Oh, how I love queuing up! (In fact, the speak hates it.)b. This diligent student seldom reads more than an hour per month.13.ClimaxThe arrangement of phrases or sentences in ascending order of importance. For example: Empire offered a few man a source of profit, many men a sense of mission and, to the anonymous everyman of Europe‟s slums, a sense of pride.14. Anti-climaxThe sudden appearance of an absurd or trivial idea following one or more significant or elevated ideas. Anticlimax is usually comic in effect.For example:a. The duties of a soldier are to protect his country and peel potatoes.b. Seldom has a city gained such world renown, and I am proud and happy to welcome you to Hiroshima, a town known throughout the world for its—oysters.15. AlliterationThe use in a phrase or sentence of words beginning with the same letter or sound. Alliteration should be used only when the writer makes a strong emotional response to his subject. For example:a. We felt strong, smug, secure. (Bailey: The American Pageant)b. The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, the furrow followed free.16. OnomatopoeiaThe use of words that, when pronounced, suggest their meaning, such as “hiss” or “buzz”. In poetry it involves suiting sound to sense and thereby creating verses that carry their meaning in their sound. This device makes use of imitation of sounds for effect. These sounds may be those made by a person, animal or thing, or associated with some action or movement. For example:Moo, mew, bow-wow, hiss, roar and baa are respectively imitative of the cries or calls of cows, cats, dogs, snakes, lions and sheep. In the same way, trains toot; doors bang; windows rattle; fire crackles; machines clang; and racing cars go vroom-vroom.17. Transferred epithetA figure of speech where an adjective or descriptive phrase is transferred from the noun it should rightly modify to another to which it does not really belong. Generally, the adjective is transferred from a person to a thing or idea. For example:a. a sleepless night b throwing a reassuring arm around my shoulder18. PunA play on words based on similarity of sound and sharp difference in meaning, for a witty or humorous effect. There are many words in English which look or sound alike, but have different senses, or connotations. For example:a. If we don‟t hang together, we shall assuredly hang separately.b. .Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man. (Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet)19. ParallelismIn parallel construction it is necessary to balance word for word (noun with noun, verb with verb, adjective with adjective, etc.), phrase with phrase, clause with clause, sentence with sentence. Parallelism is regularly employed in the listing of facts, ideas, events, etc., and the parallel elements may range from a minimum of two to any number required. For example:… and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth. (Abraham Lincoln: “Gettysburg Address”)Exercise:1.He bellowed like a bull seeking combat.2.Marriage is a book of which the first chapter is written in poetry and remaining chaptersin prose.3.What is learned in the cradle is carried to the grave.4.Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problemswhich divide us.5.Scepter and crown/ Must tumbled down/ And in the dust be equal made/ With the poorcrooked Scythe and Spade (Shirley, “The Glorious of Our Blood”)6.Some books are to be tasted, others swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.(“Of Studies”, Bacon)7.It is pity that there is more ignorance than knowledge in the country.8.And so, my fellow Americans ask not what your country can do for you; ask what youcan do for your country. The storm was raging and an angry sea was continuously tossing their boat.9.Down the drive dashed dashing Dan.10.The pen is to a writer what the gun is to a fighter.11.The thief made a trembling confession of his wrongdoings.12.There is nothing more exhilarating to the nature-love than an early morning walk in thefoot hill of the Himalayas. It lifts his spirit above material concerns and inspires in him noble thoughts. It also makes him hungry.13.One week before, we planned to have a picnic after the annoying examination. However,when the day came, it was rainy heavily. Emma looked out the window with a cloudy face, “What a fine weather for an outing!”14.A professor tapped on his desk and shouted, “Gentlemen— order!” The entire class yelled,“Beer!”15.Living without an aim is like sailing without a compass.16.It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was theage of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way…17.They talked to the foreigner in hesitant English.18.I came, I saw, I conquered.19.An ambassador is an honest man who lies abroad for the good of his country.20.More haste, less speed.21.When the war was over, he laid down the sword and took up the pen.22.The state of this house was cheerless welcome.。

Figures of speech (修辞)are ways of making our language figurative. When we use words in other than their ordinary or literal sense to lend force to an idea, to heighten effect, or to create suggestive imagery, we are said to be speaking or writing figuratively. Now we are going to talk about some common forms of figures of speech.1) Simile：(明喻）It is a figure of speech which makes a comparison between two unlike elements having at least one quality or characteristic (特性)in common. To make the comparison, words like as, as...as, as if and like are used to transfer the quality we associate with one to the other. For example, As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.2) Metaphor：(暗喻）It is like a simile, also makes a comparison between two unlike elements, but unlike a simile, this comparison is implied rather than stated. For example, the world is a stage.3) Analogy: (类比）It is also a form of comparison, but unlike simile or metaphor which usually uses comparison on one point of resemblance, analogy draws a parallel between two unlike things that have several common qualities or points of resemblance.4) Personification: (拟人）It gives human form of feelings to animals, or life and personal attributes(赋予) to inanimate(无生命的) objects, or to ideas and abstractions(抽象). For example, the wind whistled through the trees.5) Hyperbole: (夸张） It is the deliberate use of overstatement or exaggeration to achieve emphasis. For instance, he almost died laughing.6) Understatement: (含蓄陈述） It is the opposite of hyperbole, or overstatement. It achieves its effect of emphasizing a fact by deliberately(故意地) understating it, impressing the listener or the reader more by what is merely implied or left unsaid than by bare statement. For instance, It is no laughing matter.7) Euphemism: (委婉） It is the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive(无冒犯) expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant. For instance, we refer to "die" as " pass away".8) Metonymy (转喻） It is a figure of speech that has to do with the substitution of the mane of one thing for that of another. For instance, the pen (words) is mightier than the sword (forces).9) Synecdoche (提喻） It is involves the substitution of the part for the whole, or the whole for the part. For instance, they say there's bread and work for all. She was dressed in silks.10) Antonomasia (换喻）It has also to do with substitution. It is not often mentionednow, though it is still in frequent use. For example, Solomon for a wise man. Daniel for a wise and fair judge. Judas for a traitor.11) Pun: (双关语） It is a play on words, or rather a play on the form and meaning of words. For instance, a cannon-ball took off his legs, so he laid down his arms. (Here "arms" has two meanings: a person's body; weapons carried by a soldier.)12) Syllepsis: (一语双叙） It has two connotations.In the first case, it is a figure by which a word, or a particular form or inflection of a word, refers to two or more words in the same sentence, while properly applying to or agreeing with only on of them in grammar or syntax(句法). For example, He addressed you and me, and desired us to follow him. (Here us is used to refer to you and me.)In the second case, it a word may refer to two or more words in the same sentence. For example, while he was fighting , and losing limb and mind, and dying, others stayed behind to pursue education and career. (Here to losing one's limbs in literal; to lose one's mind is figurative, and means to go mad.)13) Zeugma: (轭式搭配） It is a single word which is made to modify or to govern two or more words in the same sentence, wither properly applying in sense to only one of them, or applying to them in different senses. For example, The sun shall not burn you by day, nor the moon by night. (Here noon is not strong enough to burn)14) Irony: (反语） It is a figure of speech that achieves emphasis by saying the opposite of what is meant, the intended meaning of the words being the opposite of their usual sense. For instance, we are lucky, what you said makes me feel real good.15) Innuendo: (暗讽） It is a mild form of irony, hinting in a rather roundabout (曲折)way at something disparaging(不一致) or uncomplimentary(不赞美) to the person or subject mentioned. For example, the weatherman said it would be worm. He must take his readings in a bathroom.16) Sarcasm: (讽刺） It Sarcasm is a strong form of irony. It attacks in a taunting and bitter manner, and its aim is to disparage, ridicule and wound the feelings of the subject attacked. For example, laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps break through.17) Paradox: (似非而是的隽语） It is a figure of speech consisting of a statement or proposition which on the face of it seems self-contradictory, absurd or contrary to established fact or practice, but which on further thinking and study may prove to be true, well-founded, and even to contain a succinct point. For example more haste, less speed.18) Oxymoron: (矛盾修饰） It is a compressed paradox, formed by the conjoining(结合) of two contrasting, contradictory or incongruous(不协调) terms as in bitter-sweet memories, orderly chaos(混乱) and proud humility(侮辱).19) Antithesis: (对照） It is the deliberate arrangement of contrasting words or ideas in balanced structural forms to achieve emphasis. For example, speech is silver; silence is golden.20) Epigram: (警句） It states a simple truth pithily(有利地) and pungently(强烈地). It is usually terse and arouses interest and surprise by its deep insight into certain aspects of human behavior or feeling. For instance, Few, save the poor, feel for the poor.21) Climax: (渐进） It is derived from the Greek word for "ladder" and implies the progression of thought at a uniform or almost uniform rate of significance or intensity, like the steps of a ladder ascending evenly. For example, I came, I saw, I conquered.22) Anti-climax or bathos: (突降）It is the opposite of Climax. It involves stating one's thoughts in a descending order of significance or intensity, from strong to weak, from weighty to light or frivolous. For instance, But thousands die, without or this or that, die, and endow(赋予) a college, or a cat.23) Apostrophe： (顿呼） In this figure of speech, a thing, place, idea or person (dead or absent) is addressed as if present, listening and understanding what is being said. For instance, England! awake! awake! awake!24) Transferred Epithet: (转类形容词） It is a figure of speech where an epithet (an adjective or descriptive phrase) is transferred from the noun it should rightly modify(修饰) to another to which it does not really apply or belong. For instance, I spent sleepless nights on my project.25) Alliteration: (头韵） It has to do with the sound rather than the sense of words for effect. It is a device that repeats the same sound at frequent intervals(间隔) and since the sound repeated is usually the initial consonant sound, it is also called "front rhyme". For instance, the fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, the furrow followed free.26) Onomatopoeia: (拟声） It is a device that uses words which imitate the sounds made by an object (animate or inanimate), or which are associated with or suggestive(提示的) of some action or movement.英语中所有19种修辞手法的全部解释和例句来源：张震的日志1.Simile 明喻明喻是将具有共性的不同事物作对比.这种共性存在于人们的心里,而不是事物的自然属性.标志词常用like, as, seem, as if, as though, similar to, such as等.例如:1>.He was like a cock who thought the sun had risen to hear him crow.2>.I wandered lonely as a cloud.3>.Einstein only had a blanket on, as if he had just walked out of a fairy tale.2.Metaphor 隐喻,暗喻隐喻是简缩了的明喻,是将某一事物的名称用于另一事物,通过比较形成.例如:1>.Hope is a good breakfast, but it is a bad supper.2>.Some books are to be tasted, others swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.3.Metonymy 借喻,转喻借喻不直接说出所要说的事物,而使用另一个与之相关的事物名称.I.以容器代替内容,例如:1>.The kettle boils. 水开了.2>.The room sat silent. 全屋人安静地坐着.II.以资料.工具代替事物的名称,例如:Lend me your ears, please. 请听我说.III.以作者代替作品,例如:a complete Shakespeare 莎士比亚全集VI.以具体事物代替抽象概念,例如:I had the muscle, and they made money out of it. 我有力气,他们就用我的力气赚钱.4.Synecdoche 提喻提喻用部分代替全体,或用全体代替部分,或特殊代替一般.例如:1>.There are about 100 hands working in his factory.(部分代整体)他的厂里约有100名工人.2>.He is the Newton of this century.(特殊代一般)他是本世纪的牛顿.3>.The fox goes very well with your cap.（整体代部分）这狐皮围脖与你的帽子很相配.5.Synaesthesia 通感,联觉,移觉这种修辞法是以视.听.触.嗅.味等感觉直接描写事物.通感就是把不同感官的感觉沟通起来，借联想引起感觉转移，“以感觉写感觉”。

• 1. Simile•Definition:•It is a comparison between two distinctly different things and the comparison is indicated by the word as or like.•• 2. metaphor•the substitution of a word for another word whose meaning is close to the original word• A metaphor is generally supposed to be one thing equated with another thing, such as:•"a" is "b".•there must a common ground between "a" and "b".• For example, in English, a common metaphor is:•John is a teddy bear.•Tenor = The subject of the metaphor (i.e., "a" in: "a" is "b")•Vehicle = The subject compliment of the metaphor (i.e., "b" in: "a" is "b")•Ground = The culturally understood commonality between the tenor and the vehicle Many metaphors are "hidden",i.e., not so obvious•I made up my mind to do something.•Therein above, the metaphor is "hidden" from view.•The actual metaphor is: my mind is material/matter that can be composed.•Tenor = mindVehicle = material/matter that can be composedCommon Ground = both are changeable; both are able to be manipulated •Grasp a concept•• 3. Personification•Personification: (拟人）It gives human form of feelings to animals, or life and personal attributes to inanimate(无生命的) objects, or to ideas and abstractions •For example,•The water beckoned invitingly to the hot swimmers.Tell us the object being personified and the meaning of the personification.•The wind sang her mournful song through the falling leaves.•The strawberries seemed to sing, "Eat me first!“; "Eat me first!"•The rain kissed my cheeks as it fell.•The daffodils nodded their yellow heads at the walkers.•The snow whispered as it fell to the ground during the early morning hours.•The china danced on the shelves during the earthquake.•The car engine coughed and sputtered when it started during the blizzard.•Metonymy (转喻）It is a figure of speech that has to do with the substitution of the name of one thing for that of another with which it is closely associated.• 4. Metonymy• A metonymy is similar to a metaphor, but different in function.•The function of a metaphor is understanding.•The function of a metonymy is reference••The crown ordered all soldiers to arms.•[crown = king]•The pen is mightier than the sword.•[pen = writer; sword = fighter]•The Pentagon announced it's new policy yesterday.•[Pentagon = chiefs of staff at the Pentagon]•The White House called a press conference.•[White House = chiefs of staff at the White House]•Hopefully, 9/11 will never happen again.•[9/11 = the destruction of the World Trade Center Towers in New York on that day: 9/11/2001]•• 5. Synecdoche• A figure of speech in which a part is used for the whole, the whole for a part , the specific for the general, the general for the specific ,or the material for the thing from which it is made•提喻法•There are two mouths to feed in my family.•[mouth = person]•China beat Japan in this exciting Ping-pong game.•[China = China Ping-pong player ]•I count twenty heads at the party.•[head = person]•Two beers, please6. Euphemism•Euphemism : (委婉）It is the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant.•Example: you are fired.•career change opportunity,•downsizing, restructuring,•workforce imbalance correction•dustmen=refuse collectors•road sweepers=street orderliesGuess what they are•education welfare manager•truancy officer•"utensil maintenance man"•dishwasher•appearance engineer or a tonsorial artist•hairdresser•canine control officer•dog-catcher•customer operations leader\senior conductor•railway train guard•bonus•bribe•7. IronyIrony: (反语）It is a figure of speech that achieves emphasis by saying the opposite of what is meant, the intended meaning of the words being the opposite of their usual sense.8. Overstatement\ Hyperbole•Hyperbole: (夸张）It is the deliberate use of overstatement or exaggeration to achieve emphasis. For instance,•Hamlet: I loved Ophelia: forty thousand brothers could not, with all their quantity of love, make up my sum.•His eloquence could split rocks.•I'd give my whole fortune for a bowl of bean soup.•9. Understatement•Understatement: (含蓄陈述）It is the opposite of hyperbole, or overstatement. It achieves its effect of emphasizing a fact by deliberately understating it, impressing the listener or the reader more by what is merely implied or left unsaid than by bare statement.•if one were in a desert where the temperature was 45 degrees,•and if one were to describe thermal conditions saying "It's a little warm today." that would be an understatement.10. Transferred Epithet•Transferred Epithet: (转类形容词）It is a figure of speech where an epithet (an adjective or descriptive phrase) is transferred from the noun it should rightly modify to another to which it does not really apply or belong.•For instance, I spent sleepless nights on my project.•restless night\happy morning•"The ploughman homeward plods his weary way" -Thomas Gray11. Oxymoron•Oxymoron: (矛盾修饰）It is a compressed paradox, formed by the conjoining of two contrasting, contradictory or incongruous(不协调) terms as in bitter-sweet memories, orderly chaos .•open secret•larger half•clearly confused•act naturally•pretty ugly•Hell's Angels•deafening silence•virtual reality•living dead•only choice•tragic comedy•working holiday••12. Alliteration•Alliteration: (头韵）It has to do with the sound rather than the sense of words for effect. It is a device that repeats the same sound at frequent intervals and since the sound repeated is usually the initial consonant sound, it is also called "front rhyme".•For instance,•the fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, the furrow followed free.•Tongue twisters•13. OnomatopoeiaOnomatopoeia: (拟声）It is a device that uses words which imitate the sounds made by an object (animate or inanimate), or which are associated with or suggestive of some action or movement.14. Pun•Pun: (双关语）It is a play on words, or rather a play on the form and meaning of words.•For instance,•He is not a grave man until he is a grave man.•They pray for you today and prey on you tomorrow.•他们今天为你祈祷，明天就会加害于你。