Figurative Language
Pun, irony, oxymoron, cliche, and assonance
Definition of a Pun
A pun is a play on words that can be taken more than one way because of a word's meaning.
Example of a Pun
An example of a pun would be "I like snow because it's cool." Snow is literally cool and the speaker's opinion is that snow is cool or good.
Definition of Irony
Irony is a speaker saying the opposite of what they mean. Irony is often assoscitated with sarcasm because sarcasm is sometimes verbal irony with attitude.
Example of Irony
An example of irony would be an add saying "Is your phone out of service? Then give us a call!"
Definintion of an Oxymoron
An oxymoron is two words that are usually found together and when taken apart are opposites.
Example of an Oxymoron
An example of an oxymoron is pretty ugly or awfully good.
Definition of a Cliche
A common saying heard every day and is overused.
Example of a Cliche
An example of a cliche would be once upon a time or fit as a fiddle.
Definition of an Assonance
Repeating a vowel sound throughout a sentence, phrase, paragraph, or entire piece of writing. It is often used as an alternative to rhyme in verse.
Example of an Assonance
An example of an assonance would be "I made my way to the lake." This shows the reapeated sound of 'a'.