Euphemism (yoo-fe-mi-zm)
A euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression used to replace a harsh or blunt one. For example, saying "passed away" instead of "died."
Oxymoron (awk-see-maw-ron)
An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. An example is "bittersweet."
Alliteration (uh-lit-uh-ray-shun)
Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words. For instance, "She sells seashells by the seashore."
Allusion (uh-loo-zhun)
An allusion is a brief reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. For example, calling someone a "Good Samaritan" alludes to a biblical figure known for kindness.
Idiom (id-ee-uhm)
An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning. For example, "kick the bucket" means to die.
Onomatopoeia (aa-nuh-maa-tuh-pee-uh)
Onomatopoeia refers to words that phonetically imitate the sound they describe. An example is "buzz," which resembles the sound made by bees.
Personification (pur-son-uh-fi-kay-shun)
Personification is the attribution of human characteristics to non-human entities or objects. For instance, "The wind whispered through the trees."
Hyperbole (hy-pur-buh-lee)
Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement that isn't meant to be taken literally. An example is "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."
Understatement
An understatement is a figure of speech that makes a situation seem less important or severe than it is. For example, saying "It's just a scratch" for a large dent on a car.