Figures of Comparison Vocabulary

an implicit comparison stating one thing is another

“All the world's a stage—Shakespeare's metaphor.”

Origin: Greek `metaphora` (transfer), from `meta-` (over) + `pherein` (to carry)

an explicit comparison using 'like' or 'as'

“Life is like a box of chocolates.”

Origin: Latin `similis` (like, resembling)

comparison explaining one thing in terms of another

“The brain is like a computer—an analogy, though imperfect.”

Origin: Greek `analogia` (proportion), from `ana-` (upon) + `logos` (ratio)

using a part to represent the whole, or vice versa

“All hands on deck—hands representing sailors.”

Origin: Greek `synekdoche` (understanding together), from `syn-` (together) + `ekdechesthai` (to receive)

substituting something closely associated for the thing itself

“The pen is mightier than the sword—pen for writing, sword for military force.”

Origin: Greek `metonymia` (change of name), from `meta-` (change) + `onyma` (name)

giving human qualities to non-human things

“Death, be not proud—Donne's personification.”

Origin: Latin `persona` (person) + `facere` (to make)

addressing an absent person, abstract idea, or inanimate object

“O Death, where is thy sting?”

Origin: Greek `apostrophe` (turning away), from `apo-` (away) + `strephein` (to turn)

deliberate exaggeration for emphasis

“I've told you a million times—hyperbole for emphasis.”

Origin: Greek `hyperbole` (excess), from `hyper-` (beyond) + `ballein` (to throw)