Hyperbole Metaphor Simile Kinds of Figurative Language

2.8 Kinds of Figurative Language

There are many kinds of figurative language. In this case, hyperbole, metaphor, simile, litotes, personification and irony will be discussed. They are:

2.8.1 Hyperbole

Hyperbole is a large exaggeration. Exaggerated way is an expression to make something bigger or greater than it really is. Kennedy 1978:496 says, “Most of us from time to time emphasize a point with a statement containing exaggeration. ” Etymologically, the word ‘hyperbole’ derived from the Greek word. It is from two words; ‘hyper’ means ‘over’ and ‘ballein’ means ‘to throw’. It means hyperbole is an extravagant exaggeration that represents something as much greater or less, better or worse or more intense that it really is depicts the impossible as actual. Examples: 1. He give me wings to fly. 2. He is breaking my heart again. In the first expression consists of the exaggeration, because as human we can’t fly. It means he gives me happiness. And in the second expression, it is hyperbole. It means he hurts me again.

2.8.2 Metaphor

Metaphor is a mapping between two domains. It used for an expression which to compare two unlike objects without using ‘like’ or ‘as’. Etymologically, the word ‘metaphor’ derived from Greek word, metaphor meaning ‘transfer’ or ‘carry over’. It is derivation from ‘meta’ meaning ‘over across and pherein’ meaning ‘to carry’. 8QLYHUVLWDV6 XPDWHUD8WDUD Barnhart 1995:118 says, “A metaphor is figure of speech in which a word or phrase is taken out of its usual setting and placed with another word to suggest a likeness .” Examples: 1. My mother is a strong tower. 2. She is the lightening. In the first expression above, my mother is like a strong tower. It means my mother is a strong woman. And in the second expression, her face is bright. It means she is beautiful.

2.8.3 Simile

Simile is a comparison between two objects using like or as. The word simile and similar derived from the same Latin word, ‘simile’ means ‘like’. Kennedy 1978:487 says, “A simile is a comparison of two unlike things, typically indicated by some connective, ‘like’ or ‘as’.” A simile is figurative of speech in which two quite different things are compared because they appear to be similar in at least one characteristic. Example: 1. His eyes was like the star. In the expression above consists of simile. Eyes and star is comparing as a subject. Literally, it means his eyes is beautiful. 8QLYHUVLWDV6 XPDWHUD8WDUD

2.8.4 Litotes