What is Rhetorical Figure in Linguistics? Definition with Examples

What are rhetorical figures in literature?

A rhetorical device is typically defined as a technique or word construction that a speaker or writer uses to win an audience to their side, either while trying to persuade them to do something or trying to win an argument.

A figure of speech or rhetorical figure is a word or phrase that intentionally deviates from ordinary language use in order to produce a rhetorical effect.

Rhetorical Figure Definition:

Language allows us to speak effectively. If you want to communicate with some additional elements, there is a very important tool to use. Rhetoric. Rhetorical imagery is the source of language that allows us to convey more than a simple message. Because the goal is to create beauty through words, suggest ideas, and certainly play with words.

Rhetorical figures are used in the literary language in any of its genres, but they are also used in the journalistic world, in advertising, and in everyday communication.

The main rhetorical figures

Metaphor is a language that consists in identifying something real with some imaginary element through a resemblance, for example, the drum of your heart; your eyes of fire; your silky lips, etc.

The similarity makes a comparison between the two terms, for example, it is cold as marble; sleeps like a baby; strong like steel, etc.

Metonymy involves naming elements one after the other. For example, you ate 3 dishes. I vow to fight for his flag. I bought a dealer.

Hyperbole is a resource for amplifying a message. For example, eat a bull. it hurts the soul. everyone knows

Synecdoche is characterized by designating a part of something as if it were a whole. For example, there are 12 springs. Earn bread with hard work. There are many mouths to eat.

A paradox represents a clear contradiction between two terms but ultimately conveys a meaningful idea. A ban is a ban. I do not know anything.

The antithesis represents two opposing concepts, such as Ruben Dalio’s famous quote, “When I want to cry, I don’t cry, but sometimes I cry involuntarily.”

Advertising and rhetorical figures

Advertisements must convey a suggestive message to potential consumers in a very short period of time. As such, advertising needs expressive language to grab attention. To achieve this goal, ad creators do not dismiss rhetorical numbers as a language tool with great potential. Advertising messages, on the other hand, can combine rhetorical imagery with images that emphasize the effect of words.