Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

figure of speech

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.64 in modern English

Syllables: fig-ure of speech
IPA

28

Scrabble Score

14

Letters

2

Syllables

11

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A word or phrase that intentionally deviates from ordinary language use to produce a rhetorical effect.

noun

A turn of phrase that is not intended to be interpreted literally, but is used solely as a rhetorical device for the purpose of facilitating effective and nuanced communication.

Example Sentences

"I hope you didn't take it the wrong way, that was a figure of speech."

Inflected Forms

figures of speech (plural)

Phrases

in a manner of speaking so to speak :Category:en:Figures of speech

Frequently Paired Words

figurative idiom in a manner of speaking metaphor so to speak trope :Category:en:Figures of speech

Synonyms

figure of speech turn of phrase trope figure image

Questions

What does figure of speech mean?: A word or phrase that intentionally deviates from ordinary language use to produce a rhetorical effect.

How to pronounce figure of speech

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